Champions League
The biggest match in all of European club football looms around the corner. A rematch of the 2009 Champs League final awaits us. Manchester United and Barcelona face-off at Wembley on May 28th. The stadium bears much significance for both teams. Both teams conquered Europe for the first time at this very stadium (United in 1968 and Barcelona in 1992).
Not much has changed in the two years. Barcelona and United were domestic champions then and are so even this year. The teams also remain more or less same, with Thierry Henry and Samuel Eto’o absent for Barcelona. The then reigning World Player of the Year, Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez played their last match in the final of 2009 for United.
A win for United will mean that Sir Alex Ferguson joins Bob Paisley as the only manager to win the Champions League thrice.
Recent years have seen both teams perform very consistently in the premier European competition. Barcelona have reached at least the semi-finals since the 07 – 08 season (reaching the final in 09). While United have reached the final a record 3 times in the last four years.
Though both teams have won the domestic championship, only Barcelona arguably has been convincing. Though Real Madrid led the table initially, Barcelona looked like champion material since they thrashed their arch rivals 5 – 0 at the Camp Nou. United were took the first spot when the Chelsea slump began. Arsenal had numerous chances to lead the table, but squandered the chances. The best team won the La Liga, but the same can’t be said about the Premier League.
Barcelona appear stronger than they were in 09, Messi has grown and become mature. Xavi and Iniesta continue to bamboozle the opposition with their command over passing and control of the play. The defence crisis has been solved by the return of Eric Abidal and captain Puyol also looks certain to play, after recovering from injury. Pedro, who was a benchwarmer in 09, has developed since then and is now a regular in the team. His linking up with Villa and Messi has resulted in some very devastating results for the opposition.
United, having lost their star man CR7 in 2009, have also more or less managed to retain stability in the team. Antonio Valencia, who was absent most of the season, is back for the team. The Roonatic has also found form recently, and this is vital for United. Nani has been quite impressive, linking well with Evra. The ageless Giggs has also been a very integral part of the team this year. Wonder signing Javier Hernandez has been the surprise package, but it is doubtful if he will start at Wembley. Though United have found their feet this season, it can’t be said that they are as good as or better than they were two years ago.
Men to watch
Barcelona: all the attacking and midfield players. Though the focus will be on Messi, Iniesta and Xavi play an even more important role.
Manchester United: Giggs and Hernandez (if he plays any part).
Key Battles
Carles Puyol vs. the Roonatic
Dani Alves vs. Nani
Messi vs. the Man United defence
Iniesta + Xavi vs. Fletcher/ Carrick/ Scholes/ Park
In 2005 and 2007, Liverpool and A.C Milan squared off in the Champions League finals, while Liverpool emerged victorious in the first battle; Milan bagged their revenge in the second. It remains to be seen if Manchester United can achieve this feat as well.
Kick off time – 00.15 IST, 29th May (12.15 AM IST, 29th May).
Broadcast live on – Ten Action+ and Ten Sports.
Tags: Barcelona, Champions League, Champions League Final, Football, Manchester United, Preview, Wembley
