Champions League Final: FC Barcelona v Manchester United – the unpredictable…

We are now only a few hours away from the crucial UEFA Champions League final match at the Stadio Olimpico, between FC Barcelona and Manchester United. It is a very particular game in every way, as two similar teams will face each other just when they are at their best.

FC Barcelona: “The perfect end?”

Barcelona had a wonderful time this season under their new coach Pep Guardiola; and having immediately caught the public’s attention in Spain with their dangerous signs in attack, the Catalans were ready to extend their respect in Europe. Fortunately, they managed to surpass an average of three goals per game in the group stages of the Champions League, and with such a superb record, the Spanish League Leaders weren’t prepared to give up their glory.

They then destroyed Lyon and Bayern Munich on their way to the semifinals of the UEFA Champions League; however, their game against Chelsea proved to be a little bit tougher than some expected. Although the Londoners profited of the referee’s unfair decisions to get a goalless draw at the Camp Nou, Barcelona felt that their inability to score in their home wasn’t that frustrating.

Disappointedly, they took their revenge at the Stanford Bridge trough a controversial officiating from Tom Henning Ovrebo, and with Iniesta clinching a late goal for his side, it was Pep Guardiola’s boys who were on their way to the final.

So, having experienced the feeling of being Spanish League champions, Copa del Rey winners, and finalist of the Champions League, Barcelona could also have the feeling of holding the European trophy for the second time in three years.

Of course, if they were to defeat Manchester United in Rome tonight, Pep Guardiola would be the first manager ever to make a Spanish side to win a treble; nevertheless, considering the fact that his young boys lost to Osasuna by a goal to nil on Saturday, we wonder if his weekend wasn’t a prelude of his game tonight.

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Manchester United or Barcelona?

Conversely, Manchester United won 1-0 on Sunday afternoon to get the perfect end in the Premier League. They are also league winners, and they already have 3 cups in their hands this season, including the Carling Cup trophy, as well as the FIFA World Cup Club title. Eventually, this Champions League final looks very much important to them, as it would be their fourth cup this season; and moreover, United could be the first club to win two Champions League crowns in two years.

Now, after 10 years, Sir Alex Ferguson may be on the verge of making history once again; however, he needs to remain alert though, for Pep Guardiola could be the man of the moment tonight, in a game where the winner will be the “untouchable”.

Written by Isaac Asante