Spain continued to reign supreme in the Champions League Wednesday night with Real Madrid defeating defending champions Manchester United 3-2 to join Primera Liga rivals Barcelona and Valencia in the last four of Europe's premier club tournament.
Now only last-seasons runners-up Bayern Munich, whose last-gasp 2-1 home victory over FC Porto of Portugal gave them a 3-2 aggregate win, can prevent a Spanish side lifting the fabled trophy in Paris next month.
Real coach Vicente del Bosque could not conceal his delight at the result and those of the other Spanish teams.
"This is my best result since I became coach - and considering the quality of the opposition - it is even more remarkable," said the man who replaced Welshman John Toshack in November.
"I would also like to take the opportunity to congratulate Barcelona and Valencia - it's marvelous for Spanish football."
Real who are chasing an eighth European title beat the English giants 3-2 in their quarterfinal second leg but late goals from David Beckham and Paul Scholes gave the scoreline a respectable veneer for United, who were trailing 3-0 after an hour.
United's inspirational Irish skipper Roy Keane scored an own goal in the first half before Real's prolific striker Raul scored two delightful breakaway goals just after the interval.
In the match between Munich Bayern and FC Porto, Bayern seemed to be dominating and a goal after 15 minutes by their Brazilian striker Paulo Sergio put them ahead.
Bayern's injury-time struck again when prolific Brazilian Mario Jardel grabbed a dramatic leveler for Porto.
But unheralded Thomas Linke immediately popped up with a reply for Bayern, giving them a 2-1 win on the night after the 1-1 draw in Porto a fortnight ago.
Real, who had the better of the 0-0 first leg draw in Madrid, join Barcelona and Valencia in the last four with only Bayern now able to prevent a ninth Spanish triumph in Europe's top club competition.
After 50 minutes into the game Real went 2-0 ahead. Englishman Steve McManaman fed Raul, who caught Frenchman Mickael Sylvestre - a half-time substitute - out of position - and curled a precise shot just inside the post.
Old Trafford fell silent and the jubilant Raul touched his lips with his finger, mocking the hushed United fans.
Keane almost pulled one back immediately but fired over after linking up well with Cole. It proved costly.
Two minutes later Raul struck again. Argentinian Fernando Redondo produced some brilliant skill to outfox Henning Berg and squared to an unmarked Raul who tapped home.
Beckham pulled one back for United with a superb goal, shimmying past Roberto Carlos before scoring with a fierce cross-shot.
Scholes then netted a penalty to save some United honor.
United won last season's tournament with some amazing comebacks but even the presence of Italian official Pierluigi Collina, who refereed last season's never-to-be-forgotten 2-1 final win over Bayern Munich in Barcelona could not rescue United.
Paulo Sergio netted after good work by Michael Tarnat, who was replacing Lizarazu.
Tarnat duly justified his selection and forced Porto keeper Hilario into a fine save from a well-struck shot from distance.
Bayern seemed to be dominating the match and Porto's only real threat in the first period came through their Brazilian striker Jardel whose close range header was brilliantly saved by Oliver Kahn.
But Jardel's astonishing goal suddenly raised the specter of another heartbreak for Bayern.
But Linke popped up with a header to ensure that Bayern, twice victors over Real in the second phase, will do battle with the Spaniards again.
Real were full value for their victory in a superb match, and as the finals near, we will soon discover whether the Spaniards will win the European Cup or hand it over to the English – (Several Sorces)
© 2000 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
