Wembley Awaits Champions League Final

Messi and Rooney have been the main subject in the
build-up to this massive game.

As the most glittering prize in European club football approaches, Wembley stands in its element awaiting two of the most talented, consistent and dominant teams in domestic football to embrace its immaculate surface in the UEFA Champions League Final 2011. Spanish giants Barcelona take on Sir Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United at the 90,000 capacity national stadium of the England football team.

Barcelona, in most recent times, have been renowned for their amazing footballing talent and described as possibly the best team in footballing history. Pep Guardiola has certainly masterminded his team’s success in the past 3 years, winning the treble in his first year as manager. A Champions League winner in his first season, notably against their opponents this evening, Manchester United. The Catalunyans have, like United, won their domestic league title after another blistering season in which they thrashed their great rivals Real Madrid 5-0 at the Nou Camp in November. The wide variety of players with extraordinary talent, skill, vision and incredible ability suggest that the manager of Barcelona would not have to say a lot to his players before a game. However, there is much more to management than talking so this point should not be taken too seriously or into deep discussion. With the likes of Messi, Xavi, Iniesta, Villa and Pedro, Barcelona look unstoppable, but the managing magician that is Jose Mourinho has shown that this is not the case. His Real Madrid side held Barcelona to a 1-1 draw in the league and also competed with them in a very controversial semi-final fixture in the Champions League this year. Officials have been at the centre of criticism from the Mourinho but the fact remains that Barcelona are in the final.

The Wembley turf being prepared for the big event.

Manchester United have had a magnificent year, winning a record 19^th league title. The Red Devils have not played the best this season and performances haven’t always been up to the previous standards set by themselves. The success in the Premier League has been down to consistent results, no constant philosophy of how to play football and the determination of the players. They have also made some important comebacks and have scored goals late on and for these assets, they thoroughly deserve to be Premier League winners and will be extremely confident today despite taking an unfamiliar status as underdogs. The Champions League has always been a priority for United, and their performances in the competition this year have been great and have led them to this eagerly anticipated showdown at Wembley stadium tonight.  Making their way past Marseille, Chelsea and Schalke on their way to the final, United have comfortably won their right to be where they are. There should be no reason for United to be scared of Barcelona, they have a very good team throughout, Vidic is strong at the back, Valencia and Nani give United pace on the wings and Rooney has a very solid partnership with Javier Hernandez who has brought something different to the United team in his first year at the club. They’re not a team who loses confidence when they concede , they have been 2-0 down to West Ham and Blackpool this season away from home and have managed to comeback in those games and won. Barcelona may be a better side, with no disrespect to West Ham or Blackpool, but United still have a winning mentality and that will be required today when they face some of the best players in the world.

Edwin Van Der Sar will play his final football game in his career, and what a way to end it would be if they were to win the European Cup. He has been an iconic figure representing club and country at the highest of levels and is one of the best goalkeepers of his generation and has been a credit to Manchester United and Holland. He will surely be missed in the Premier League but a happy retirement is certainly deserved. Hopefully, regardless of the result, he will enjoy his final football match.

There are no injury problems for either side. United look to start with Evra, Ferdinand,  Vidic and Fabio at the back.  Valencia, Carrick, Giggs and Park-Ji Sung are xpected to start in midfield and Rooney and Hernandez are likely to start up front. Barcelona’s Eric Abidal and Carles Puyol both passed fitness tests to play and should start in the back four.

Off the field, there have been rumours that this could be Pep Guardiola’s  last game as Barcelona manager, he has been linked with the vacancy at Chelsea. It sounds unlikely but he has won the La Liga, the Champions League and the Copa Del Rey in his time at Barca, and that is everything he could possibly win at a major level. He may be looking for a fresh challenge in England, but he may also be very happy at continuing the development of Barcelona.

It is shaping up to be a great game, will Messi fall under pressure? Will United win against the odds ? The curtain will soon fall on the Champions League campaign and one team will be crowned champions of European what will be a very special night in football history. I am predicting a great game and Manchester United to win 2-1 after extra time.

UEFA Champions League Final 2011

Barcelona v Manchester United

Wembley Stadium

7.45pm Kick Off.