Real Madrid will be aiming for a record ninth title when they meet Bayer Leverkusen in this year's Champions League final following their 1-1 draw with Spanish rivals Barcelona at the Bernabeu this evening. The result earned the 2000 champions a 3-1 aggregate victory over the Catalans, who had threatened to claw their way back into the tie when an Ivan Helgeuro own goal early in the second half cancelled out a stunning effort from Raul just before the break. Both sides had opportunities to add to the scoreline, but it was Real who progressed the May 15 final at Hampden Park on the back of their emphatic win at the Nou Camp last Tuesday.
Spanish international striker Raul broke the deadlock, and as good as wrapped up the tie, with his sixth goal of this season's Champions League campaign. The 24-year-old found the net from 20 metres out with a vicious left foot thunderbolt two minutes before the break, after robbing the Barcelona midfielder Xavi Hernandez of the ball. However, Real were given a fright after the break when Helguera turned the ball into his own net after a rather lethargic Philip Cocu shot had found its way pass several players from both sides.
In the final minutes of the match, Barcelona had several close attempts but Real's solid back four, who hardly made a mistake all night except for Helguera's miskick, barely gave the visitors another chance.
Filed by Shane Murray
