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You couldn’t have asked for a better Champions League final. The match between Manchester United and Barcelona FC will be much more than a simple duel between two gigantic clubs. Firstly we’ll see the individual dual between the two club’s respective star players; Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi who will both try to demonstrate their football superiority on the pitch. The Portuguese star who is Balon d’Or and FIFA World Player 2008 is in one of the finest moments of his career. Messi though is snapping at his heels and is looking forward to being this year’s player of the year if Barcelona wins all their remaining trophies: La Liga, Copa Del Rey and Champions League. Secondly, Pep Guardiola who looks unstoppable will have to face Alex Ferguson, a Premier League heavyweight who’s been in charge of Manchester United since 1986.

On 27th May 2009 Barcelona and Manchester United will come face to face in Rome’s Olympic Studium after eliminating Chelsea and Arsenal in their semi-final matches respectively. Barcelona is looking for their third title while Manchester is hoping for a fourth. The mighty Barça acquired their passport to glory thanks to a last minute goal by Andrés Iniesta much to the dismay of a Chelsea team who hardly let Barcelona get into their stride and effectively sealed all the entrances to the Chelsea goal. Manchester United had it much easier with a 1-3 win over an Arsenal team led by Cesc Fabregás.

You couldn’t ask for any more emotion than this! Both clubs are leaders in their respective home leagues and with only a few matches to go, both could be crowned league champions. Barça is 8 points clear at the top with Real Madrid currently second, still smarting over their 2-6 defeat by a far superior Pep Guardiola team while Manchester United are 3 points clear of Liverpool, their nearest rivals. Manchester United also have a game in hand which takes some of the pressure off.

After the “clash of the titans” which was last year’s final between Manchester and Chelsea; Barcelona will try to introduce some new elements this year namely a less physical style which is more centred on ball control.

Although Manchester United are the current holders of the trophy it is not the first time Barcelona reach the final with an English team. Barcelona won the trophy in 2006 beating London club Arsenal FC 2-1 with goals from Eto’o and Belletti.

Barcelona FC has received some great complements this year due to the sheer quality of their football and their fans will expect more of the same in this final and who are also hoping that Barcelona can manage the “triple” – League, Copa Del Rey and Champions League cups. On the other hand Manchester will try to defend the trophy and hold onto it. They were the last team to win the “triple” in 1999 – a feat that Barça would dearly love to accomplish.

Would you like to watch the match live this year? I’m sure you would! Buy your tickets before it’s too late and don’t forget about your accommodation. Rent the best apartments in Rome and enjoy this epic Champions League final.