Mourinho can cry all he wants about the ref but the fact is that his tactics failed.

C & P - TELEGRAPH

The exhortation from the home fans to their idols had been clear. One banner, unfurled as Cristiano Ronaldo and company lined up, said it all: “We Live For You-So Win For Us”.

They never came close. Containment and frustration were more in Real minds. Mourinho had hoped to grind Barcelona into submission, then introduce creative cavalry like Kaka from the bench.

The Special One had again sought to confuse Barcelona with an attack that lacked an orthodox centre-forward. With Emmanuel Adebayor, Karim Benzema and Gonzalo Higuain amongst £140million worth of talent on the bench, Real started with Ronaldo through the middle flanked by Mesut Ozil and the left-sided Angel di Maria. There was little central focus and it was little surprised when Adebayor arrived for Ozil at the break.

Barcelona had known they were in for a test; people had kept talking about glimpses of vulnerability. Their defence had Carles Puyol at left-back and Javier Mascherano at centre-half, his early hesistancy almost exploited by Ronaldo.

But there is so much skill within the Catalan ranks. Xavi gave early notice, a meaty volley into Casillas’ arms. Real responded, Ronaldo trying his luck from range but failing to trouble Victor Valdes.

As Real stood off, Barcelona were enjoying the ball’s company for long periods. After 16 minutes, Ronaldo shouted for his team-mates to squeeze up, to assist him in closing down Gerard Pique and Sergio Busquets. The Bernabéu crowd shared his frustration, whistling as Barcelona were allowed to build.

Real were too cautious, too focused on the tactics of denial. Ronaldo was a ray of light, always attempting to find a way through. Real briefly began raising their game, Marcelo embarking on a rampaging run through Dani Alves and Mascherano. Real’s fans loved it, believing it might prove a catalyst. False dawn.

Barcelona looked the likelier to open the scoring. One glorious move saw them at their inventive, fast-moving best. Messi turned away from Xabi Alonso, and passed to David Villa, whose effort was saved. Xavi then went close.

The sublime Argentine’s 52nd goal of another remarkable season was epic, and surely sets up a final against Manchester United at Wembley on May 28. Messi picked up the ball 50 yards out and just ran and ran, control and determination, taking him past Diarra, Ramos, Albiol and Marceloa before sliding the ball past Casillas. That wasn’t a dribble, that was an odyssey.

Sir Alex Ferguson, who was here on Wednesday, must make special plans for Messi and Xavi. Real fans will look on from afar and wonder whether Mourinho’s tactics, focusing on containment, had cost them dear.

Barcelona fans were loving it, taunting their Real counterparts, and chanting “time to go, Mourinho”. Time to re-think tactics certainly.

Just watch the barca guys diving all over the place in Wembley...it will be like a swimming contest

@nostopping...I know that's the only thing gooners look forward to, another team doing what gunners can't do...anyway, we look forward to a 3rd final appearance in 4 years - I just hope this time it's not just an appearance and that SAF remembers well the lessons of the 2009 final. See you on Sunday

Sasa what does Arsenal have to do with all these.....we were knocked out na tukanyamaza. Possibility of a Man Utd Vs Barca Final are very high now....i just hope it will be competitive this time.

@Taz, we were merely responding to the assertions of @nostoppingthis

LIONEL MESSI - 23 YRS OLD

2010 - 2011 STATISTICS

League App 30 goals 31 Assist 17
Cup App 7 goals 7 Assist 3
S. Cup App 2 goals 3 Assist 0
C. L App 11 goals 11 Assist 3
Total 50 52 23

I think we should just give him the FIFA Player of the year now, hakuna haja ya all those other formalities.

Guess who they will try to get sent off in the final*. Rafael!!! If he plays in the final, I hope SAF gives him a serious talk before the game. They might also try to get Vidic sent off but he's far too smart for them. If Scholes plays he will be an easy customer also.

*I am not discounting the fact that we still have a return match against Schalke on Wednesday. I just don't see them turning table on United.

My mistake @nostoppingthis...

@Taz, it doesn't matter what tactics Mourinho employs to win...if he wants to defend at home and snatch a goal at Nou camp then so be it - there's no blue print to winning

http://soccernet.espn.go...-barcelona-shame?cc=3888