Barcelona 1 Inter Milian 0 Inter win 3-2 on aggregate

GERARD PIQUE’S late strike proved insufficient for Barcelona as Jose Mourinho’s Inter Milan held out for more than an hour with ten men to seal their passage to a European Cup final for the first time since 1972.

Mourinho’s side, protecting a 3-1 lead from the first leg, were reduced to ten men following Thiago Motta’s 28thminute dismissal, but the Italians defended heroically – and at times cynically – to deny Pep Guardiola’s men.

And for Mourinho, who celebrated triumphantly on the pitch at the final whistle, it was vindication following a turbulent spell in Italy and his controversial departure from Chelsea, where he was unable to deliver a repeat of his remarkable Champions League success with Porto.

Needing a 2-0 win or better to advance, Guardiola opted for an attacking 3-4-3 line-up, with Yaya Toure alongside Pique and Gabi Milito at the back.

Inter made a last-minute change with striker Goran Pandev, originally named in the starting XI, replaced by defender Cristian Chivu.

Such a move is only allowed if an injury has occurred and Inter could yet be asked to provide evidence to that effect.

After the final whistle, Mourinho said: ‘‘We were a team of heroes. We sweated blood.

‘‘I thank everyone who played and who did not play. I thank all the fans, those who were here and those who remained at home.