Few sports have the effect on such a vast amount of people as football does. This is more evident in continents such as South America, Africa, Asia and Europe. While the World Cup happens every four years, a more frequent, almost equally exciting tournament occurs every year: the UEFA Champions League. In this tournament, the best teams in European Football compete against each other outside of domestic league competition in order to obtain the most respected title in world club competition. The tournament spans a period of 10 months, of which include qualifying, group and knockout stages. This year, we see the two most powerful teams in Europe, Manchester United and FC Barcelona in the final. Manchester United has a rich footballing history, having won 11 league titles, 11 domestic cup titles and three Champions League titles. They have been crowned league champions this season, and boast a talented team that plays fast, efficient football and have the 'best' player in the world, 2008 World Player of the Year Cristiano Ronaldo. On the other end, we have FC Barcelona. FC Barcelona is a unique institution in that it is more than just a team of football. Like other teams in Spain, the regional culture is represented through its football team, in this case, Catalunya. It represents a sense of autonomy; something the Catalans have wanted at a political level for a long time, and still argue in favor for, despite historical bloody struggles through the Franco Era. Barcelona is the second most successful club in Spain, having won 19 league titles, 25 domestic league titles and two Champions League titles. Having said this, who will win this Wednesday night when the two clash in Rome? Surely an advantage has to be given to Manchester, having a full squad available (Barcelona's two key defenders will be missing through suspension, while another two are fighting the race to be fit for Wednesday), and having momentum coming into the match. Barcelona are seen as the underdogs because of these absences, though their football has been deemed "orgasmic" by former player Luis Enrique. Barcelona are truly beautiful to watch when they are in form, and also have the runner up to the World Player of the Year Trophy, Lionel Messi. It will be a match surely to leave fans and neutrals breathless by the final whistle. While the fans will be left breathless, the managers will be breathless prior to kickoff. Both have a long history with each club and deep in contrast with each other. Manchester's manager Sir Alex Ferguson, has been manager for over 30 years, and is to thank for most of Manchester's success domestically as well as internationally.
In contrast, Josep 'Pep' Guardiola, was born in Barcelona, has played most of his professional football for FCB and has won several league titles, domestic cup titles and the first European Cup (Champion's League), amongst others. One can say that Guardiola has as much experience with Barcelona as Ferguson, despite the difference in job title. Both teams will go in on Wednesday looking to add to their trophy cases, yet Barcelona will be looking to become the first Spanish team to win the coveted 'treble.' This treble has eluded even the most successful European team (and arch rivals) Real Madrid, so it would mean that much more to win on Wednesday in Rome. As a Barcelona fan, my restlessness will begin on Monday, but all I can hope for is a 100% display from both teams and a competent referee.
Visca el barça.
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