Soccer: Barcelona and Man United Clash in Champions League Final

EPL champions Manchester United take on Spanish champions Barcelona as the two biggest names in world soccer meet in the UEFA Champions League Final. Al Dannity breaks down the big issues ahead of Saturday’s big game.

We meet again
Barcelona got the better of Manchester United in the 2009 Champions League Final, when Pep Guardiola’s men won 2-0. In order to avoid a repeat result, United must find a way to contain Lionel Messi. The Argentinian superstar is a creative force in attack who links up well with David Villa and Pedro. Over-committing to stopping Messi brings about its own problems. Barcelona’s neat passing game uses Dani Alves to build from out wide, while midfielders Xavi and Iniesta both possess the intelligence to exploit any excessive focus on Messi.

If United are to win this game, they must bring pressure of their own in attack. Wayne Rooney has, this season at least, saved his best performances for big games while Chicarito is the kind of opportunistic attacker that can pounce on a half-chance. The real questions surround the roles of Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes. These veterans have been through the wars and still contribute significantly. Their best days are however clearly behind them and it’s going to take a lot for them to rise to the occasion one more time.

The Wembley Factor
Having the game in England seems, on the face of it, to be a huge advantage for United. While most of the tickets will be split equally between the two clubs, it’s highly likely that the majority of neutrals will really be in the EPL champions’ corner. That however is where the advantage should end for United.

While Sir Alex Ferguson’s team will be more familiar with the Wembley surface, their record at the famous stadium is nothing to get excited about. Similarly the size of the pitch won’t phase Barcelona, who are used to playing on the sizeable Camp Nou. The only issue soccer betting fans should concern themselves with is the speed of the surface. Since opening in 2007, the new Wembley has developed a reputation as being slower than normal. Barcelona are famed for playing a quick game but United also rely on a high tempo so the impact of the surface should be similar for both teams.

The verdict
Manchester United and Barcelona both won this competition for the first time while playing at finals in Wembley. United lifted the trophy back in 1968 while Barca won at Wembley in 1992. Only won will claim their fourth title on Saturday.

The talent divide is substantial. Manchester United possess one of the top two or three rosters in all of world soccer but the gap from first to third is huge. Barcelona simply have the best of the best, a dream team. One that will be remembered for decades to come. Crucially they also know how to best deploy this talent to devastating effect. Saturday should provide excitement for all but victory will go to Barcelona.