© EuroFootball.com
On Saturday, the big football season will end: the champions of England and Spain will determine who the strongest club in the Old Continent is this season. Who - having already scored 27 goals in the tournament or barely missing four - will lift the prestigious trophy?
UEFA Champions League Final
"Barcelona" - "Man Utd"
Date: Saturday, 2011.05.28, 21.45 Lithuanian time
Location: "Wembley" Stadium (London, 90,000 seats)
Referee: Viktor Kassai (Hungary)
Broadcast: TV6, "Viasat Sport Baltic" (live)
This will be the eleventh meeting of these teams in European cup tournaments. The results so far once again confirm how difficult it is to name a winner: the Catalans celebrated three victories, the English three, and four matches ended in a draw.
However, "Barcelona" is considered the favorite, led by the three best footballers in the world from last year: Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta, Xavi. Some even call this team the best in history.
But "Man Utd" with the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson at the helm proved again this season how important the winners' mentality can be, convincingly triumphing in the English Premier League.
The strength of their opponents was recognized by "Barcelona" coach Pep Guardiola: "Everything related to 'Man Utd' concerns me. They are a team with fantastic, strong players who do not give in to us.
In every aspect, they are one of the best teams I have ever seen. Therefore, to win, we will have to play a great match."
One of the most talked-about players is Mexican Javier Hernandez from the Manchester club. The modestly priced player at 10 million euros has already scored 20 goals and has cemented his name among the best strikers on the planet.
"This season has been impressive for this kid," said Ferguson. "No one could have imagined that he would achieve so much in his first year.
I hope Javier will continue his successful performance in the final. He has character, speed, and the ability to move, so we expect a good game from him."
Hernandez will be stopped by "Barcelona" captain Carles Puyol: "He is a very important player who is always on the edge and ready to send the ball into the net. We will certainly appreciate him."
Meanwhile, "Barcelona" leader Lionel Messi emphasized that he does not feel pressure before the crucial match. The tournament's top scorer with 11 goals said, "Playing in the final is a special honor, but I don't feel any additional pressure because of it.
I understand that Manchester's team rightfully became the very tough Premier League champions. I don't know what the opponent's weak point is. I am one of those who pay more attention to what we need to do ourselves, not the opponents."
Predicted starting line-ups:
"Barcelona": Valdes; Dani Alves, Mascherano, Pique, Puyol; Xavi, Busquets, Iniesta; Pedro, Messi, Villa.
The Catalans will be without injured substitute defender Gabriel Milito and suspended backup goalkeeper Jose Pinto.
"Man Utd": Van der Sar; Fabio, Vidic, Ferdinand, Evra; Valencia, Giggs, Carrick, Park; Rooney; Hernandez.
Manchester United's top scorer Dimitar Berbatov is likely to remain among the substitutes this time, and Michael Carrick should take up his position in the midfield instead of Darren Fletcher. Fabio will take the position of a full-back, surpassing his brother Rafael.
