Glasgow Celtic have battled their way into the UEFA Cup final after claiming a famous 1-0 victory over Boavista in the Bessa Stadium.
Henrik Larsson proved to be the difference between the two sides in a match that was ruined as a spectacle by Boavista's spoiling and time-wasting tactics, and Celtic's surprising lack of cohesion on the pitch.
Larsson's 40th goal of the season came just 11 minutes from the end when the Swede attempted to play a one-two with John Hartson on the edge of the box. Boavista defender Pedrosa intercepted the ball with a sliding tackle, however the ball fell into the path of Larsson who tucked the ball into the corner past Ricardo to send Celtic into the final.
Unfortunately, that goal was one of the few highpoints in a game that served as a sobering spectacle, following last night's epic between Manchester United and Real Madrid. At every turn, Boavista tried to kill the game, obviously playing for a 0-0 draw that would see them go through on the away goal rule.
However, the game will be long forgotten when Celtic take on Porto in the final Seville on May 21, however Martin O'Neill launched a broadside against Boavista's tactics. "Over the two games we deserve it - Boavista were so negative with their diving and time-wasting, and it came back to haunt them eventually," he said.
"We saw the fourth officials because all the spare balls disappeared - but after we scored there were plenty of them around. I'm delighted for everyone at the club, the players and the supporters - to be perfectly honest the only people we could hear were our supporters. It's about the players and the supporters - I've always said it's about those who pay and those who play," he added.
Elsewhere, Porto and Lazio played out a 0-0 draw in Rome, a result that sees Porto progress to the final after their 4-1 victory in the first leg. The Portuguese were never in any real danger, and Lazio's hopes disappeared in the 57th minute when Claudio Lopez missed a penalty.
Filed by Rob Wright
