Manchester United and Barcelona go in search of a place in the UEFA Champions League final.
------------------------------------------------------------ ---------------------------------
result
Manchester united 1-0 Barcelona
Manchester United made sure it will be an all-English UEFA Champions League final with a 1-0 victory over Barcelona.
The Red Devils star was suspended for the epic victory over Bayern Munich.
But the veteran blew away those demons with the goal that sent Barcelona crashing out at Old Trafford.
And United can now look forward to an all-English final in Russia, with Chelsea and Liverpool set to lock horns again in the second semi-final.
Scholes almost got off to a terrible start when he tripped Lionel Messi just outside the area in the opening minute.
Barca were unable to take advantage but continued to dominate the early proceedings.
Yet, against the run of play, Scholes produced a peach of a goal after 15 minutes.
He picked up a loose ball from 25 yards and fired an unstoppable shot past keeper Victor Valdes.
Park Ji Sung almost added a second soon afterwards but sidefooted the ball wide from close range.
Barca's piled on the pressure and Xavi curled over before Deco sent his effort narrowly wide.
United should have gone two ahead before the interval when Park crossed for Nani but the young winger glanced his header the wrong side of the post.
Barca piled forward after the break in their desperate search for an equaliser and Deco's free-kick was deflected wide.
Yaya Toure tried his luck from 30 yards but Edwin van der Sar took it safely.
The Spanish giants threw everything at United — including substitute Thierry Henry — but they were unable to break down the home side.
And at the final whistle, Old Trafford erupted.
Boss Alex Ferguson can now look forward to proving they are the biggest club in England — and Europe — 1,500 miles away in Moscow.
goal scorer paul scholes