Ronaldo masterclass sends Reds to Rome

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

A fortuitous opener from Park Ji-sung was followed by a thunderous 40-yard free-kick from Cristiano Ronaldo to effectively book a final date with Chelsea or Barcelona on May 27 after only 11 minutes.

Ronaldo capped a fine performance by sliding home a third goal, his 25th of the season. It was not quite a perfect night for United as Darren Fletcher ended it in disbelief at a red card for a tackle on Cesc Fabregas - which will rule him out of the Italian job.

After just eight minutes, Arsenal' Kieran Gibbs lost his footing and hit the ground with a thump. Like lightning, Park seized on the loose ball, delicately lifting it over goalkeeper Manuel Almunia, whose arrival came just too late.

But if United's opener came courtesy of good fortune, their next was the result of audacity, mixed with high ability. As Ronaldo took a free-kick - following a foul by Robin Van Persie - the United star stepped back and waited from 35 yards out, ready to unleash his missile and Almunia knew what to expect.

Indeed, it could be argued that from such distances, not goalkeeper should be beaten. But as Ronaldo let fly, with venom, and watched his shot dip and flicker, Almunia was powerless to prevent it ripping into the net.

In fairness, Arsenal tried to rally, but there was nothing the Spanish stopper could do when United attacked again, Ronaldo supplying the finish to Wayne Rooney's cross.

For Fletcher there was a nasty sting in the tail. The Scot got studs on the ball before sending Fabregas flying in the penalty area, earning him a red card which will rule him out of the final.

Van Persie impressively converted the spot-kick - but it was little consolation for Arsenal.