Ronaldo thunderbolt sends United to the semis

United became the first English team to record a European victory at Porto. Cristiano Ronaldo wonder goal earned a 1-0 UEFA Champions League quarter-final second-leg win and maintained the holders' grasp on the trophy. For the first time in a month United defence looked well organized and they kept a clean sheet .

Ronaldo's thunderous early strike from just shy of 40 yards flew across goal and into the top corner.Nemanja Vidic missed a great chance from five yards late in the first half and Dimitar Berbatov had a shot saved.Lisandro Lopez might have scored a dramatic late goal for Porto, but Edwin van der Sar saved his weak shot.

The visitors got off to a dream start through Ronaldo’s goal on just six minutes and spurned a golden opportunity to score a second through Nemanja Vidic just before half-time.

The second half was a much better one for Porto as they had more of the play, but they struggled to create too many clear opportunities and United held firm to progress.

The Red Devils now meet Arsenal in the semi-finals after the Gunners defeated Villarreal in the night’s other quarter-final tie.

United made four changes from the side which started the 2-2 first leg draw at Old Trafford. Paul Scholes, Darren Fletcher, Ji-Sung Park and Jonny Evans all made way with Michael Carrick, Ryan Giggs, Dimitar Berbatov and Rio Ferdinand coming in.

With Ferdinand in the side United looked commanding at the back.