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MANCHESTER, England — Cristiano Ronaldo doesn't want Moscow mentioned for the next 10 days.
All he is thinking about is ensuring the Premier League title doesn't slip out of Manchester United's grasp amid the euphoria of reaching European soccer's showpiece match on May 21 in the Russian capital.
"It's a great feeling to be in my first Champions League final," Ronaldo said Tuesday after Man United's 1-0 victory over FC Barcelona. "I feel very good. It's a massive result. But the final is in three weeks — we have to work and keep the concentration and most important now is the league.
"The final doesn't matter, we need to think about Chelsea and the league."
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And that's set for a tense finale.
The Red Devils' 2-1 defeat at Chelsea last week means they only lead the English standings due to their vastly superior goal difference. But victories over West Ham and Wigan in the remaining games will guarantee a 17th title.
"We have a great opportunity to win the Premier League and the Champions League," Ronaldo said. "Now, we need to relax a little bit and think it was good work and try to win."
United's duel with Chelsea could continue in the Champions League final if the Blues beat Liverpool in the other semifinal match later Wednesday.
The Red Devils progressed after a sublime goal by midfielder Paul Scholes — the only score separating United and Barcelona over the two legs.
"It was an intensive game," Ronaldo said. "I thought Manchester United played better than Barcelona, we created more chances, we played better football. You want to win and we deserved to."
The Portugal winger is relieved that his penalty miss in the opening minutes at the Nou Camp last week didn't come back to haunt him.
"It doesn't matter now," he said. "We go forward, we are in the final. Sometimes I score, sometimes I miss — this is football. It's been a great season for me — I'm in a great moment.
"I've scored many goals. I have played very good and the team has played fantastic as well."
Ronaldo's contribution to United's bid for two trophies has been immense, scoring 41 goals in all competitions. That was recognized by his fellow professionals on Sunday when they named him their player of the year for a second straight season.
He has a message to detractors who doubt his ability to make a significant contribution in big matches.
"My performance wasn't important, winning was — and we're in the final," he said.
Manager Sir Alex Ferguson has already said that Scholes, who was suspended for United's 1999 triumph, will be the first name on his team-sheet for the final.
Ronaldo is glad veterans like the 33-year-old English midfielder and winger Ryan Giggs are still there along with young players like Nani, Anderson and himself.
"It's very important to play with experienced players," Ronaldo said. "But it's important as well to play with young players because they have a lot of power and run more, and both things are good for the team."
