Inter boss Jose Mourinho let his emotions run free at the whistle in Camp Nou
By Sam Lyon
Jose Mourinho's Inter Milan produced a defensive masterclass to reach the Champions League final at the expense of holders Barcelona at the Nou Camp.
Protecting a first-leg 3-1 lead, Inter were forced to play more than an hour a man short after Thiago Motta saw red for a hand-off on Sergio Busquets.
But Barca failed to fire before Gerard Pique's shot set up a frantic finale.
Bojan Krkic then saw an injury-time strike ruled out, but Inter held on for a first European Cup final since 1972.
The Italian giants will now face Bayern Munich at the Bernabeu on 22 May as Mourinho attempts to lead them to European football's top prize for the first time in more than 40 years.
Barcelona's efforts to become the first team to retain the Champions League trophy, meanwhile, ended in frustration in the face of a sensationally stoic defensive show from the Italians.
Mourinho's reaction at the final whistle said it all as he sprinted around the Nou Camp pitch with his hands aloft, a pointed salute to the Barca supporters and media critics who had labelled him "The Translator" in mocking tribute to his time at the club in the 1990s.
This was further testimony to the Portuguese manager's claims to be "the special one" as his side's tactics, belief and resolve withstood a home onslaught that saw Barca run out of ideas until Pique's goal.
Emotions and tensions were expected before kick-off to run high, but even for a Champions League semi-final this match surpassed expectations.
Source: http://news.bbc.co.uk
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