Barca book Wembley berth

Barcelona booked their place in the UEFA Champions League final at Wembley with a 3-1 aggregate success over bitter rivals Real Madrid.

Already leading 2-0 from the fractious first leg last week, Barca moved further ahead shortly after half-time when Pedro provided the finishing touch to Andres Iniesta’s stunning pass after a sublime flowing move which started with goalkeeper Victor Valdes.

Real refused to lie down and immediately responded as some sloppy Barcelona play allowed Xabi Alonso to find Angel Di Maria who smashed a shot against the post before setting up Marcelo to slot home.

But the home side comfortably held out to secure their anticipated place at Wembley on 28th May, with a meeting against Manchester United widely expected with the Red Devils leading 2-0 following their away leg against Schalke.

The bitter animosity and gamesmanship which marred the first game was happily missing from the second leg, as was the presence of Real coach Jose Mourinho, who elected not to attend the match due to his touchline and dressing room ban.

Barca were the better side on the night and created a host of chances against Real, who were made to pay for their negativity at home, while there was a touching moment in the closing stages as Eric Abidal came on just weeks after undergoing surgery to remove a liver tumour.

Full report to follow.