UEFA Champions League Final: FC Barcelona v Manchester United Preview

The stage is set and these 2 European Powerhouses will face off on May 28th for the right to be called European Champions. Many of us recall the last time these 2 met on this grand stage and since then many players have left and many still remain. Have United improved since their defeat last time around to Barcelona? Will Barcelona be able to match their achievement in 2009?

Perhaps 2 of the most recognizable club logos in the world; the dominance of English and Spanish football over the past decade can be summed up in this match-up.

The quest for 4: Both clubs are seeking their 4th title.

It's a stage all too familiar for both of these clubs as they will kick off the 2010-2011 UEFA Champions League final at the Wembley Stadium Saturday evening. Barcelona have looked like the best club in Europe since the start of the season and some may argue that they've always been since they lifted the European Cup in 2009. They are led by the world's best player in Lionel Messi, who up to this point in his young career needs only some silverware at the international level to cement his place amongst the greatest ever to play. That's quite impressive at just 23 years old. However, he hasn't done it alone with his supporting cast being quite distinguished themselves. Nearly all of Barcelona's Spanish contingent took part in Spain's Euro 2008 and 2010 FIFA World Cup victories. In particular, David Villa, Xavi and Iniesta were instrumental on both occasions and now find themselves in yet another final.  

Messi (center) was nearly unstoppable on the warm night in Rome 2 years ago. 

Perhaps we'll look back at this Spanish contingent as one of the greatest of all-time when it's all said and down. They haven't shown any signs of slowing down which is frightening the rest of Europe. Barcelona really took charge of La Liga after they dismantled Real Madrid early on by a margin of 5-0. Sure, like any other team, they had a few slumps during their campaign, although FC Porto managed not to lose 1 match in the Portuguese League, but even those little set-backs were far from being set-backs as they had virtually tied up the league with a month and a half to spare. During the off-season, they added the likes of Villa, Mascherano and Afellay to improve an already bolstered squad that set the record for points in La Liga the season before.   

FC Barcelona lifting the European Cup in 2009 after defeating Manchester United 2-0.

Manchester United paint a slightly different story. After their defeat to Barcelona in 2009's edition, they were thought to be headed for a decline. Cristiano Ronaldo was sold off to Real Madrid for a world record fee and Carlos Tevez decided to depart and join rivals Manchester City. The following season proved to be a difficult one for United as they suffered some early struggles; they had brought in some new talent including Ecuadorian Antonio Valencia to fill in Ronaldo's slot as best as he could. They would finish 2nd in the league to Chelsea, who earned first season success under Italian Carlo Ancelotti. Although an admirable finish, United and Ferguson knew that the club could only suffice to winning the Premiership and anything lower would be considered a disappointment.  

Manchester United celebrating as European Champions in 2008 after seeing off Chelsea FC in a penalty shoot-out.

Their European campaign that season seemed to be taking them to a final when they held a 3-0 advantage on Bayern Munich who battled their way back to a 3-2 defeat which was enough to see them through the Round of 16 and eventually to the final. The defeat really summed up United's year as momentary lapse's in concentration had plagued them throughout the season. This season didn't necessarily start off great either with Wayne Rooney publicly declaring his intent to leave the club feeling that the direction of the club was taking them away from winning silverware. This greatly raised fears throughout United's fan base especially coming from one of United's key figures. 

However, Rooney quickly had a change of heart after having discussions with several people including Sir Alex who reassured him of the club's yearn for success. United had brought in during the off-season Mexican youngster Javier Hernandez to bolster the attack. Hernandez would be a revelation for United providing them with crucial goals throughout the campaign. Dimitar Berbatov would prove to have his best season with United by bagging over 20 goals and winning England's golden boot. However, it was the play of Luis Nani which lifted United in periods of decline as his powerful attacks and vision provided United's strikers with a multitude of opportunities. Team captain and CB Vidic was also as solid as any defender in the league and in Europe earning him praise throughout all of the continent as one of, if not, the best CB's in the world. United's old guards also proved instrumental as the likes of Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, Rio Ferdinand and Park played against their age. However, if one player should be singled out, it should be goal keeper Edwin Van der Sar. The Dutchman continues to perform exceptionally in what he says is his last season playing the game. What a shame it's going to be seeing yet another legendary keeper call it quits especially considering that it looks as if he could go another 5. 

Sir Alex Ferguson has already established his name amongst Europe's great; can Pep Guardiola add more to his
argument?

The Final

Many believe we're headed for a repeat of the 2009 Finals result and it's perhaps the safest bet to make out there. Barcelona have looked unstoppable at times during this campaign whereas United, despite having gone undefeated through most of the Premier League season, hasn't looked so dominate. United have had their doubters from early in the season and until now, both from outside and within; but they've been able to persevere and rise above it. 

Patrice Evra (right) has been a central figure for United at LB.

Manchester United head into the final after dismantling German side Schalke 04 with near ease. Up until then, Schalke had stunned many in the competition given their poor form this season in the Bundesliga, which won't see them competing in Europe next season, and they were able to eliminate defending champions Inter. However, Sir Alex Ferguson was sure not to have faith repeat yet again and his team won the 2 legs not only because they were the more talented side, but because they were more composed. Composure is a trait which United must utilize to the extreme if they wish to knock Barcelona off. 

FIFA's Top 3 for Ballon d'Or: Barcelona dominate.

One thing for sure is that all the pressure is on Barcelona. I've been mentioning for quite some time that it's a near general consensus that they are the best team on this planet. I would go as far to say that if we were to simply take a vote right now that they would receive over 80% of the votes in their favor. It was rather humorous for me to hear Spanish midfielder Xavi's logic that United are the favored side; it was a rather poor attempt to shift some pressure off. So rather than discussing what Barcelona have to do in order to win the match, I suppose I rather use my time to discuss what United need to do to stand a chance.

First off, I'm sure Sir Alex Ferguson knows better than anyone how to spring up this upset; he's been in contact with Jose Mourinho and will use whatever information obtained. With that said, I believe United's chances lie on imposing an aggressive game-plan to limit space in the midfield. In order to do this, they'll have to field a certain group of players who are physical but experienced enough to not lose concentration. 

Some of the selections appear rather obvious and some may be strange to you all. First off, the forward pairing of Hernandez and Rooney shouldn't be of much surprised as they've struck up a partnership of sorts over the past few months. Rooney has always been known as a player who is not afraid to be aggressive; in the past, his aggression would get the best of him, but now he's a much more mature player. Hernandez has been a revelation for United this season and is playing well enough that Sir Alex Ferguson relegated Dimitar Berbatov to the bench. Amongst his many qualities, the youngster like Rooney is relentless when it comes to winning balls. 

In midfield, I chose to play Park and Valencia as the wide players and Anderson and Carrick at the center. Park and Valencia are United's best physical wide players and will track back if needed to but still be reckoned with by the opposition's defense. It was difficult to leave Nani on the bench since he's had such a stellar season and is a game-changer; however, early on it's best to have Park and Valencia who will make Barcelona work much harder and limit space. Nani will be a crucial substitute late in the game. Anderson and Carrick were chosen over Giggs, Scholes and Fletcher basically because they are more capable at the moment. Giggs and Scholes don't have the legs to keep up with Xavi and Iniesta and Scholes despite the experience is too reckless to start. Darren Fletcher would have been ideal, but recent updates indicate that he isn't quite fit yet. Anderson is still a gamble for me since I haven't been convinced with his performances all season, but I still think he's the best viable option from the start. 

The defense is the usual one with exception to John O'Shea who although isn't nearly as fast or talented as Fabio, is more physical and experienced. Rio Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra and Van der Sar round up the side who will attempt to limit space by congesting the midfield. In this formation, the midfield wide players are pushed a bit more in-ward to limit space between Barcelona's CMs. Defensive flank priorities will be assigned to United's fullbacks although the wide players will occasionally slow down their advancement on the flanks by blocking passing routes. 

One thing I've noticed with Barcelona is that they love to organize and attack via the center of the pitch. Don't get me wrong, Barcelona is more than capable of attacking well on the flanks, but if you give them the center, you're are basically giving the game away. By forcing them to play the flanks, you are giving yourself a chance to not only win but control the tempo of the match. 

So will that be enough for Manchester United to avenge their 2009 Final defeat? We'll find out tomorrow I suppose. We may very well not see this formation or tactics applied by Ferguson, but I wouldn't be surprised to see some sort of variation. Although Barcelona possess of plethora of weapons, United also have some too. It won't be easy for Ferguson to choose his line-up and he'll probably okay it right before match-time. One thing I hope is that this match isn't the one-sided affair it was last time around. 

It's great to watch FC Barcelona play football, but the way they dominated United last time made the match rather unattractive for neutrals. I have a feeling that this time around, we'll be given a much better show.