On May 28, 2011 the ‘best’ team in the world, Barcelona, travel to Wembley Stadium in London to take on the might of Manchester United. After destroying Real Madrid and Schalke in their semi-finals, these two giants of world football will meet for the first prize in club football. On display will be some of the most talented players on the planet in Xavi, Iniesta, Piqué, Villa, Bojan, Mascherano, Alves, Rooney, Vidic, Ferdinand, Hernandez, Berbatov, Van der Saar, Evra and of course the best. of all in the Argentine genius Lionel Messi.
Barcelona, given their lopsided victory over United in 2009 and their impressive pedigree in recent seasons, will go into the final as heavy favorites to lift the trophy and conquer Europe for the second time in three years. Their form in La Liga has been outstanding again this season as they have moved away from the big spend that Ronaldo/Kaká took Real Madrid to the top of the table. David Villa, after a somewhat slow start by his extremely high standards, has started to find the net regularly and has shown the form he did with former club Valencia. Add to that the masterful passing and possession of Iniesta and Xavi, the vision, skill and finishing of Messi and it’s easy to see why Barca score so many goals. Lionel Messi has scored 52 goals so far this season in all competitions, that, by anyone’s standards, is unbelievable and will give Alex Ferguson and his players countless sleepless nights.
Manchester United’s form has picked up pace as the season has progressed. After a slow start, with a series of draws against lower table sides, they have established themselves top of the Premier League table heading into the remaining 3 games of the season. They face a massive test against title rivals Chelsea on Sunday 8 May at Old Trafford. If they win or draw that game, it is very likely that they will win the Premier League title, which would allow them to overtake Liverpool’s record for the most league titles.
In Wayne Rooney and Hernandez United they have two strikers in top form. So much so that they keep top scorer Berbatov on the sidelines. It will be interesting to see how Alex Ferguson addresses Barcelona’s midfield masters in the final. I expect him to fill the midfield with five players and play only with Rooney up front. That may mean Hernandez is limited to one cameo.
This game has all the ingredients to become one of the best Champions League finals in history. Will Manchester United get revenge for the thrashing they took in the 2009 final, or will Fergie mastermind a seemingly unplayable victory over Messi and company? Come May 28, 2011 and all will be revealed on the magnificent Wembley pitch. I for one can’t wait!
