ECL: United, Barca through to semis

Carlo Ancelotti's mighty gamble on £50million man Fernando Torres backfired as Chelsea crashed out of the Champions League with a 2-1 defeat at Manchester United to place a massive question mark over his future as Blues boss.

As Sir Alex Ferguson has noted, Roman Abramovich is obsessed by winning this competition.

As the Russian was in the directors' box, looking down as United emerged triumphant, Javier Hernandez and Park Ji-sung finding the net either side of half-time, it can only be concluded he is not a happy man.

While Torres has now failed to score in 11 Chelsea games, Drogba continues to look a threat. He was the man who briefly threatened to derail United after Ramires was sent off.

It was a false dawn. Chelsea are staring down the barrel of a trophyless season and Ancelotti will be in the firing line if Abramovich decides to pull the trigger.

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Meanwhile, Barcelona secured their place in the semi-finals of the Champions League and a probable showdown with arch rivals Real Madrid after completing home and away victories over Shakhtar Donetsk.

Leading 5-1 from last week's quarter-final first leg at the Nou Camp, Barca weathered an early storm at the Donbass Arena before netting what would prove to be the only goal of the night through Lionel Messi just before half-time.

That was the FIFA Ballon d'Or winner's 48th competitive goal of what has been an incredible season and ensured there would be no slip-up by Pep Guardiola's side, who will meet Madrid in the last four unless Tottenham can overhaul a 4-0 deficit on Wednesday night.

The result was also the ideal preparation for Barca ahead of Saturday's 'El Clasico' against Madrid at the Bernabeu, where the Catalan club defend an eight-point lead at the top of the Primera Division standings.

ORIGINAL SOURCE

Match Reports, Reaction and more

Man United 2-1 Chelsea (3-1 on agg.)

Fergie stirs up Torres price tag debate

Giggs delight with timing of Park's goal

Man United 2-1 Chelsea: 5 thoughts

Man United vs Chelsea Player Ratings

Shakhtar 0-1 Barcelona (1-6 on agg.)

Lucescu: We lacked Lionel Messi

Shakhtar vs Barcelona Player Ratings

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