Man United faced Barcelona in the semi-finals of the Champions League in April 2008 and the tension was palpable at Old Trafford, but Paul Scholes' thunderbolt was enough to knock the Catalan giants out of the competition.
Manchester United and Barcelona were complimentary to each other before meeting in the Champions League in 2007/08.
"You need maximum concentration. Anything can happen," said Ronaldo ahead of the first leg on April 22, 2008, away from home. "Messi is a very good player. It is a pleasure to play with players like him. We seem similar – we always want to score. Ronaldo collected the ball, stepped a few yards back and side-footed his effort wide from the spot. The forward covered his face and Barcelona gradually took control, but they couldn't break the deadlock themselves.
Ferguson wrapped his other stars up in cotton wool and there was a curfew set to restrict the players' activities before the game, which meant Ronaldo had to collect his PFA Player of the Year award on a video call at Carrington. The atmosphere was electric from the first whistle, with a place in the Champions League final in Moscow at stake. Old Trafford was rocking and thousands of red scarves twirled in the terraces created a memorable spectacle.
Scholes sprinted away in disbelief, with a wide grin etched across his face and he eventually made his way into Rio Ferdinand's arms. It was an extraordinary rocket from 25 yards and it's deservedly in the conversation among the club's best-ever goals. Barcelona began the second half with a spell of possession and the tone for the second half was set. Henry replaced Iniesta on the hour mark and the Catalans, inspired by Messi, orchestrated relentless waves of pressure in the final third.
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