Barca ace Messi’s double ensures Fergie’s worst Champions League nightmare
April 28th, 2011 - 2:20 pm ICT by ANI
London, Apr. 28 (ANI): Coach Sir Alex Ferguson worst nightmare came true last night as Barcelona ace Lionel Messi’s double against Real Madrid virtually sealed a showdown with Manchester United at Wembley on May 28.
The semi-final first leg was marred by numerous clashes, including a mass touchline bust-up at half-time.
In an unprecedented move, UEFA officials told both sides to stay in their dressing rooms afterwards to calm down before speaking to the Press.
Riot police also gave the officials protection as they left the pitch at the final whistle.
An angry Mourinho was sent to the stands by German referee Wolfgang Stark early in the second half after blasting the fourth official.
Barca’s sub keeper Jose Pinto had earlier been shown a red for his part in the touchline melee and Real midfielder Pepe was also dismissed for felling Dani Alves plus there were five yellow cards.
Goal king Messi pounced in the 76th and 87th minutes to give Barca the same away-leg lead as United - who beat Schalke 24 hours earlier. (ANI)
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Tags: alex ferguson, champions league, clashes, dressing rooms, fergie, jose pinto, lionel messi, manchester united, melee, mourinho, pepe, pounced, real madrid, referee, riot police, sir alex ferguson, unprecedented move, wembley, whistle, yellow cards