Barca struggle past Schalke to set up semi-final with United
Rijkaard's side progressed to the last four of the Champions League
Wednesday, 09, Apr 2008 10:50
Barcelona have qualified for the semi-finals of the Champions League following an unconvincing 1-0 win over German side Schalke 04.
Barca held a 1-0 lead following last week's first leg but showed few signs of confidence in front of a demanding Nou Camp crowd.
Schalke created a host of chances in the opening 45 minutes but failed to capitalise on their opportunities and Barca made them pay heavily – scoring the only goal of the game just before the break.
Yaya Toure tapped home from six yards out following a clearance off the line to break the German side's resistance.
It was a spirited display from the underdogs who dominated the opening period. Halil Altintop forced a good save from Victor Valdes before Jermaine Jones narrowly shot wide from long-range.
Later Jones delivered a great cross which just evaded the on-rushing Kevin Kuranyi, who would have had a tap-in if he could have reached the ball in time.
Kuranyi then spurned a chance of his own before Toure put the hosts ahead.
Bojan Krkic's cross deflected off Marcelo Bordon and looked to be heading into the net only for Mladen Krstajic to head it off the line at the last moment. But he could not get much distance with the header and Toure pounced from close in.
Thierry Henry and Andres Iniesta both had chances to double Barca's lead in the second half but found Schalke keeper Manuel Neuer in excellent form.
Midway though the second half Barca captain Carlos Puyol picked up a yellow card which will rule him out of the first leg of the semi-final against Manchester United which could be a crucial blow to the Catalan side.