Manchester United bowed out of the Champions League in spectacular fashion as they beat current European Champions Real Madrid 4-3 at Old Trafford, but lost out 6-5 on aggregate.
Real Madrid's star striker Ronaldo proved to be the difference between the two sides. Booed off in the first leg by his own supporters, the Brazilian superstar put on a football masterclass and his hat-trick was enough to see United off.
Alex Ferguson controversially left David Beckham on the bench, preferring to start with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as United went into the match needing to score at least twice to have any hopes of progressing. However, when Ronaldo opened the scoring on 12 minutes, after racing clear of the ineffectual Rio Ferdinand and slotting the ball past Barthez, their chances of victory looked slim.
Despite now needing four goals for victory, United never gave up and Ruud van Nistelrooy gave them a glimmer off hope just before the break when he levelled from close range to give United something to fight for in the second half.
United emerged with a grim determination after the break and van Nistelrooy went close to putting his side in front on the night, only to see his shot beaten away by Casillas. On the 50th minute, Ronaldo then finished off a great passing move by slotting home from close range from a delightful Roberto Carlos cross. United hit back just two minutes later when a defensive mix-up saw Helguera nut-meg his own goalkeeper and the ball trickled into the net.
Moments later, Ronaldo then showed exactly why so many when he completed his hat-trick and secured his team's place in the Champions League semi-final with a stunning 25-yard drive.
However, despite trailing 6-3 on aggregate and now needing four goals to progress, United never gave up. David Beckham was finally introduced to the action his stunning 71st minute free-kick gave the home crowd something the cheer. Hope of another late-late show from United was then well and truly ignited when Beckham slid in and put his side in front with just six minutes to go, and that was how it ended.
United supporters will now have to watch the Champions League final at Old Trafford from a neutral standpoint, but they will be able to hold their heads high, knowing that over 90 minutes they got the better of one of the likely finalists. The only question that may haunt them, is, would Beckham have made a difference had he been on from the start?
Elsewhere, AC Milan booked their place in the semi-finals with a last-gasp goal from substitute Jon Dahl Tomasson. Ajax were on the verge of progressing on away goals, before Tomasson stepped up and booked an all Milan semi-final.
Filed by Rob Wright
