WHITE HOT.

CRISTIANO RONALDO last night found the perfect reply to those who claim he never scores the goals that matter. His brave header in the Stadio Olimpico set Manchester United on their way to a 2-0 victory over Roma and put Sir Alex Ferguson's men within touching distance of the Champions League semi-finals. Wayne Rooney added a second goal in the second half to make it a triumphant night's work for United, who will look with confidence towards a second leg at Old Trafford a week tonight. And a semi-final showdown with Barcelona looks to be looming after the Spaniards took control of their tie against Schalke with a 1-0 win in Germany. Ronaldo struck after 39 minutes of the first leg of the quarter-final. Statistically, it was his 36th goal of the season and his 11th in Europe for United -- equalling the record of George Best. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]