Manchester United v Barcelona: Cristiano Ronaldo clockwatch

28 May 2009 11:53
One minute: Only 45 seconds have elapsed when Ronaldo, who has lined up as United's central striker, rifles a free-kick at Victor Valdes in the Barcelona goal. The keeper clumsily palms the ball to Park Ji-sung, who misses the chance to put United one up as Gerard Pique kicks the ball away. Six: Makes a slick turn and sends a fierce effort whistling just wide of Valdes' left-hand post from 35 yards. 15: Picks up the ball on the counter-attack and cuts inside Pique, who then obstructs the Portuguese and is booked for his trouble. Ryan Giggs sends the free-kick over the bar. 19: Gets away from Yaya Toure to fire in another strike from just outside the area, but once again it goes narrowly wide to the right. 22: Unable to make decent contact with a header whilst surrounded by a bevy of defenders in the Barca box. 55: Rushes into the area but cannot get in front of Toure as Wayne Rooney's free-kick flashes across the goal. 57: Looks to have sprung the offside trap but the linesman flags as he breaks clear of Barca's defensive line. 60: Cuts in from the left, deceives the defence with a flurry of stepovers and finds Michael Carrick on the edge of the box, but the England midfielder overhits his pass as he attempts to feed Rooney. 66: Vents his frustration after being adjudged to have led with his arm in a clash with Carles Puyol as the pair jump to contest a header. 71: The ball falls to Ronaldo just metres from the goal after a scramble in the area but Valdes is at his feet almost immediately to block his shot. 73: Jumps in recklessly to challenge Puyol and is fortunate not to make contact with the Spaniard - or pick up a booking. 77: The yellow card finally comes as Ronaldo clatters into Puyol as they chase the ball.

Source: Telegraph