Inter Milan battled with 10-men to reach the Champions League final at the expense of holders Barcelona, who bowed out despite claiming a 1-0 victory in the semi-final second leg at Nou Camp. The compact defense of Inter, who were defending a 3-1 first-leg advantage, made it difficult for Barcelona to break them down throughout an exciting but not an entertaining clash on Wednesday. Inter had Brazilian midfielder Thiago Motta sent off for catching Sergio Busquets in the face with the back of his hand after 28 minutes but they continued to annoy the hosts despite their numerical disadvantage. Barcelona's first real opportunity fell to inspirational forward Lionel Messi, whose low curling shot was superbly saved by Inter keeper Julio Cesar on 33 minutes. Bojan Krkic headed wide with the goal at his mercy in the 82nd minute but defender Gerard Pique made amends six minutes from time. He latched onto a pass from midfield maestro Xavi, turned inside the sliding challenges of defender Ivan Cordoba and Cesar before slotting home into an empty net. Barca poured forward to score a decisive goal but were thwarted by Inter's steadfast defense. They also had a goal by Xavi disallowed for a handball on Ivorian midfielder Yaya Toure in the build up. Inter reached the final of Europe's premier club competition for the first time since 1972. The Jose Mourinho-led team will be looking to secure their third Champions League triumph when they face Bayern Munich in the final at Santiago Bernabeu on May 22nd, having won the competition in 1964 and 1965.
