United ground out a hard-fought 1-0 win with an impressive defensive display at Old Trafford on Tuesday night, after a goalless first leg.

United veteran Paul Scholes pounced on a mis-hit clearance from Barca defender Gianluca Zambrotta in the 14th minute, sending a powerful shot into the top-right corner from 25 yards. The victory had a symbolic resonance for the midfielder, who was forced to sit out the team's legendary 1999 Champions' League final victory due to suspension.

On Wednesday night Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich's London club Chelsea FC will be seeking to capitalize on their slender advantage going into the second semi-final leg, playing host to Liverpool at Stamford Bridge, taking with them a 1-1 score from the first leg.

The final will be held at Moscow's Luzhniki stadium.

Both British and Russian media have reported that Roman Abramovich has booked up hotels, nightclubs and restaurants across the Russian capital in anticipation of a big night out should Chelsea lift the trophy. The club have never made the final of the Champions League.

Abramovich, who is also the governor of the Chukotka Autonomous Area in Russia's Far East, bought Chelsea in 2003. The side has won the English Premier League twice since then.

The Champions League final has seen two previous finals between sides from a single country - Spain's Real Madrid defeating Valencia in 2000 and Italy's AC Milan triumphing over Juventus in 2003.

MOSCOW, April 30 (RIA Novosti)