Ronaldo stunner sends United into semi-finals
Ronaldo's thunderous strike sent United into the semi-finals
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Wednesday, 15, Apr 2009 10:34
Manchester United have defeated Porto 3-2 on aggregate in their Champions League quarter-final.
Cristiano Ronaldo struck a sublime goal from 40 yards out in the fifth minute of the match that gave United a 1-0 win in Portugal.
Porto failed to match the performance they put in at Old Trafford last week and were left to rue missing the few chances that did come their way.
United looked more assured in defence with the tandem of Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic restored to the side and they were able to keep their first clean sheet in more than two months.
With their defence back to its best Ronaldo's strike early in the match became the deceive moment.
Alex Ferguson chose to play Giggs and Rooney wide, allowing Ronaldo to take up a free role in the centre of the park.
His tactical trick worked wonders when the former Sporting Lisbon forward dropped deep to pick up the ball before surprising everyone, including Porto goalkeeper Helton with a strike from 40 yards.
As the first half progressed the home side eventually worked their way into the game and showed signs that they could still be a threat.
Bruno Alves headed wide from a free-kick but should have done much better from close range, wasting Porto's best chance of the first half.
Vidic found himself in a similar position at the other end as the first half drew to a close but the United defender also failed to find the target.
Van der Sar was pressed into service midway through the second period when Hulk tested him with a free-kick, although his strike lacked power.
United defended their narrow lead well and only came under real pressure in the last five minutes of the match.
Lisandro Lopez could have made it 1-1 and won the tie for Porto late on but his shot also lacked power and van der Sar made a comfortable save.
United now face Arsenal in an all English semi-final as they look to retain the title they won in Moscow last year.