Manchester United cruised into the final of the Champions League for the second successive season after Cristiano Ronaldo's brace helped them beat Arsenal 3-1 at the Emirates Stadium to wrap up a 4-1 aggregate triumph.
The Gunners started brightly, but were stunned when Park Ji-sung capitalised on a slip by Kieran Gibbs to grab a crucial away goal on eight minutes before Ronaldo then fired in a superb 40-yard free-kick past Manuel Almunia.
Ronaldo added a third on the break just after the hour as Arsene Wenger's side failed to rise to the challenge, but did net a consolation penalty from Robin van Persie when Darren Fletcher was sent off - and will miss the final - after being adjudged to have fouled Cesc Fabregas.
After the game Ronaldo claimed he's hit peak form at exactly the right time as he targets glory against either Chelsea or Barcelona in Rome on May 27.
He told ITV1: "In the last few games I have felt good, felt fit. This is a crucial time in the season and the best games are coming."
Ronaldo moved to spare Almunia's blushes by admitting his first goal, a 40-yard free-kick, swerved past the Arsenal stopper.
"The shot was quite difficult to save because the ball moved a little bit," he said. "I just try to do my best to put the ball in the net and it was a good goal."
Ronaldo also expressed sympathy for his team-mate Fletcher, who will now miss the final.
"It is very disappointing, he deserves to be in the final because he is a fantastic player, he runs a lot and is a team player," he added.
"He deserves to play in the final but this is football."
Sir Alex Ferguson was clearly upset for Fletcher and said: "You can see the ball has moved in a different direction. It moves away from Cesc Fabregas.
"I think it's terribly unlucky.
"There is nothing you can do about it."
When asked if the player would have been selected for the final in Rome, the Scot added: "You saw his performance tonight and all the big games Darren is always a big player for you."
Describing United's overall display, Ferguson admitted his side had benefited from Gibbs' slip for the first goal but continued: "The performance in terms of confidence was terrific."
United's final opponents will be decided on Wednesday when Chelsea host Barcelona with the teams goalless after last week's draw at the Nou Camp.
When asked who he believed would win, Ferguson said: "Barcelona have fantastic players, I was drooling watching them (in the 6-2 win against Real Madrid).
"But at Chelsea with no centre-back - that might cost them."
Deflated Gunners boss Arsene Wenger added: "The most disappointing thing is the game was over before it started. We can only look at ourselves.
"It is disappointing to fight such a long way and then give the game away as we did.
"In three minutes we conceded two goals and it was too much against a team who defends well.
"After 10 minutes it was impossible. We kept going and played with pride."
