A first-half double from Rivaldo was just enough to take Barcelona past Celta Vigo and into the UEFA Cup semifinals on the away goals rule on Thursday.

A 3-2 defeat on the night saw the tie finish 4-4 on aggregate. Barcelona, leading 2-1 from the first leg of their all-Spanish tie at the Nou Camp, extended their lead with the Brazilian's first long-range strike on 29 minutes.

Catanha equalised five minutes later but Rivaldo then struck a crucial second away goal a minute before halftime with a 30-metre free kick.

Celta pulled back to 2-2 on the night with a Gustavo Lopez penalty on 64 minutes and had a second from Catanha disallowed for a foul on the goalkeeper five minutes from time.

Victor Fernandez's side finally got their third two minutes into injury time through Alexander Mostovoi but it was too late as referee Markus Merk blew his whistle seconds later to bring an end to a thrilling tie.

From the opening Celta tore into an uncertain Barcelona side who looked unsure whether to attack and attempt to build on their lead or sit back. They had midfielder Phillip Cocu playing in the heart of the defence for an injured Abelardo.

Catanha, linking with Mostovoi and Valery Karpin, had two shots well saved by Jose Manuel Reina inside the first 15 minutes and the young goalkeeper was grateful to see a hooked effort from Gustavo Lopez sail wide.

Barca took the lead on the night with Rivaldo's first touch of class on 29 minutes. Marc Overmars robbed midfielder Jayo near the halfway line and advanced down the right. His cross picked out Rivaldo and the Brazilian took one touch before smacking a shot past Jose Manuel Pinto.

Spanish international striker Catanha equalised with an excellent finish from the edge of the box five minutes later after Cocu was dispossessed by Mostovoi.

Rivaldo got the all-important second for Barcelona just before the break, lashing his free kick into the top right-hand corner.

Celta looked slightly fortunate to equalise on the night for the second time as Patrick Kluivert's challenge on Catanha brought them a penalty which Lopez converted.

Catanha then scored with a header in the 85th minute only for referee Merk to award a free kick for a foul on goalkeeper Reina.

The winning goal on the night finally arrived late with Edu's cross from the right and Mostovoi's excellent first-time finish. But Barca just held on to reach the last four.