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Cristalz (f)
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Rome awaits as FC Barcelona and Manchester United FC prepare to meet in the UEFA Champions League final on Wednesday night. The season's best attacking team take on the campaign's most miserly as Barça aim to be crowned champions of Europe for a third time while United look to become the first side to defend the trophy since the onset of the UEFA Champions League
Barcelona’s defence has been suspect all season, and they looked vulnerable in their return leg game against Chelsea when the Blues hit them on the counter attack. In Manchester United, they will be up against one of the best counter-attacking sides in the world.
The additional problem for Barcelona is that they will be without key men at the back. Captain, Carlos Puyol will be back from suspension. However, his regular partner Rafael Marquez is out for the season, and coach Pep Guardiola will also have to cope without his two first choice full-backs, Eric Abidal and Dani Alves, who are both suspended. It is very doubtful that a makeshift Barcelona defence will be able to keep Manchester United’s attack out for ninety minutes. If that is the case, it will be up to Barcelona’s attack to find a way through the Reds’ resolute defence.
Goalie Victor Valdez has been shaky off late but with a strong defence, he may make quality saves.
The performance of Portuguese star Ronaldo could be key to United's chances of retaining the European Cup, but Pique believes his four years at Old Trafford have given him an insight into what makes Ronaldo and co tick.
"I know most of the players inside-out because I have spent hours and hours with them in training,'' he said. "I have passed on some of that knowledge to the coach (Pep Guardiola) and my team-mates and I'm sure it will help. I think I know all Ronaldo's tricks by now - he's a great player and he can hurt you, but I've spent a lot of time playing with him and against him in training, and I believe we can stop him.''
United are the current Champions League holders, and thus, excluding Dmitar Berbatov, have a squad full of players who have already experienced, and come through, the pressure of club football’s biggest game. In Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs, Gary Neville, Edwin Van Der Sar and Owen Hargreaves they have a collection of players who have lifted the trophy twice or more, so it is unlikely the occasion should affect Alex Ferguson’s side. Then there is Ferguson himself. The Scot has managed in four European finals in his long managerial career, and he has overseen his sides’ triumph in every one.
Ferguson will set-up his side in much the same way he did against Arsenal, and will look to his midfield to break down opposition moves, before launching quick attacks. The Scot will have seen how well Chelsea nullified the threat of Barcelona, and will use that as an example to his players. Darren Fletcher will be missing from Sir Alex's midfield though, due to the red card he got at the Emirates during United's UCL return leg against Arsenal. Ji-Sung Park has been promised a start by Sir Alex to make up for his being left out of the UCL team last season.
Rio Ferdinand is likely to start for the Red Devils. The defender has been out injured for some time now, and there have been questions regarding his fitness for the game. His absence in the EPL game against Hull gave some cause for concern, but Sir Alex is hopeful that the defender will be ready for Wednesday.The only other question marks surround the fitness of Rafael and Wes Brown who both picked up minor knocks in the 1-0 win at the KC Stadium.
"I took Rafael off [as a precaution] and we'll get him checked on Monday, but hopefully he'll be okay," revealed Sir Alex. "Wes got a little knock, but given that it was his first game back after so long out we're thankful he's come through well overall."
Manchester United goalkeeper Ben Foster has been ruled out of the Champions League final because of a thumb injury that requires surgery. Now with this, Edwin Van der Saar had better not get injured 'cos the thought of Tomas Kuszczak in goal against the forces of Barca isn't too comforting for United. John O'Shea has also been promised a start by Sir Alex, so the possible line-up at the back will be O'Shea-Rio-Vidic-Evra.
Two of football's greatest players- United's Cristiano Ronaldo, and Barcelona's Lionel Messi will be up against each other on the night. Both will be eager to prove their worth to the world, and eager to put up performances that will make football lovers finally decide on the better of the two. That possible? I wonder.
This promises to be yet another unforgettable UCL final.
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tubabie (f)
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Well written Cristalz , . . . . . . We wait to play for victory on Wednesday.
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~Sauron~
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Feel free to post your pictures. I am confident United will achieve their quadruple by wednesday. We are not perennial losers like the ARSES.   4 seasons without a TITLE. . . . . .4 seasons of loneliness, 4 seasons of BROKEN DREAMS.  See your husband dickriding + ass-kissing Ronaldo Barcelona midfielder Yaya Toure has insisted that Manchester United’s Cristiano Ronaldo is a better player than his team-mate Lionel Messi.
Speaking ahead of the Champions League final, that will see the two sides will go head-to-head in Rome next week, Toure insisted that Ronaldo currently has the edge on Messi.
However, the 26-year-old insisted that all that could change and that should Messi help crown Barcelona as European champions, then he might just steal Ronaldo’s crown.
“For now, Ronaldo is No 1,” he told the News of the World.
“He has so much power - just look at the goal he scored against Arsenal from 50m.
“And he is quick with the ball at his feet and strong in the air.”
“If Messi helps us to win the Champions League, then he deserves to be known as the best player in the world.”
Toure looks set to get a first-hand glimpse of Ronaldo’s talents in the Stadio Olimpico, as he is expected to feature again in defence for Pep Guardiola’s side.
The Spanish champions will be without several key defenders, including Eric Abidal, Dani Alves and Rafael Marquez, whilst Darren Fletcher misses out for United due to suspension.
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dayokanu (m)
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Shurup Sharon,
Arsenal won the Female league and youth FA cup or Didnt you see Brash displaying their trophy cabinet.
VISCA EL BARCA
Man Utd would be demolished on Wednesday
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mukina2 (f)
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Mrs Sharon Double Stone, what's ass kissing in what yaya said?  Most footballers say things about others, its not exactly news. If its a joke stop it  Yaya is not Gay, Ronaldo's Gay partner is Rooney, let it stay in your club dont you derail the moderazza's thread o  |
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~Sauron~
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Shurup Sharon,
Arsenal won the Female league and youth FA cup or Didnt you see Brash displaying their trophy cabinet.
U should be banned for dissing Moderazza's club. How dare u? VISCA EL BARCA
Man Utd would be demolished on Wednesday
I laugh in Wollof. |
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dayokanu (m)
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I am not dissing Arsenal I am only repeating what Brash said unless Brash too was dissing Arsenal.
VISCA EL BARCA.
We Anglophobes are behind you
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~Sauron~
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Mrs Sharon Double Stone, what's ass kissing in what yaya said? He should leave Ronaldo alone. Let him praise Messi. . . . . . . . Yaya Toure is a faggot. I have pics of him humping Keita. U wanna see? We Anglophobes are behind you
Like you were behind Porto and Inter?? |
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dayokanu (m)
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Porto and Inter have little or no pedigree.
Inter that struggled in the weakest group.
Everyone whoops Inter in the CL. Villareal, Valencia, even Bremen
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eyonigger (m)
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Glory Hunter very happy surprisingly seeing Yaya the monster praising Ronaldo. Mind games being played there BOSS, dnt think the dude dnt know what he is doing.
I will await excuses as to why Manure loses Wednesday.
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Emperoh (m)
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its a fight to the finish!! WHO CARE!!!! You are better off thinking on how to curtail these trophyless seasons!! |
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ogazi007 (m)
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forza barca!even if our first 11 are all injured and couldnot play in the final,there will be no excuses.
we are going to stick to our philosophy and play our usual attacking football.
Barca for treble
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khanye (m)
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If there’s one glaring weakness to United’s game, it is their right side of defence. Whether that slot is occupied by the unfancied John O’Shea, the inexperienced Rafael Da Silva or the ageing Gary Neville, that is where Barca must focus their attacks.
With Ronaldo unwilling to double back to help defend, and with his penchant for losing the ball and drifting out of position, Guardiola’s superstars will have plenty of opportunities to exploit and gang-up on that flank, especially through Iniesta and Henry.
This will hopefully allow Sylvinho to carry on with his main task at hand while also relieving the extra burden and attention on Messi on the other side of the wing.
Of course, outlining such a game plan on the comforts of the Wi-Fi powered laptop is far easier than putting it into practice on the pitch, let alone executing it in the final of the Champions League. But whatever the case, for those who think that the Red Devils will easily saunter to the top of the podium of the Stadio Olimpico because they have a more rounded team, you might like to consider calling up your bookie. |
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khanye (m)
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Massimo Busacca Named As Referee For Champions League FinalUEFA have confirmed that Swiss referee Massimo Busacca will be the man in charge for Wednesday evening's clash of two titans of the footballing world, Barcelona and Manchester United, in the Champions League final staged in Rome.
Busacca, 40, has extensive experience of refereeing, and was even the man in the middle when the two aforementioned teams met in Europe last year, in the semi-final.
He awarded Sir Alex Ferguson's side a penalty; which Cristiano Ronaldo went on to miss.
A statement on UEFA's official website read, "Busacca has been chosen by the UEFA Referees Committee to take charge of the Champions League final between Barcelona and Manchester United.
"[He] will be assisted by his fellow countrymen, assistant referees Matthias Arnet and Francesco Buragina. The fourth official will be Claudio Circhetta, also from Switzerland."
Busacca has officiated 77 UEFA fixtures, including 32 Champions League games. He was in charge for the 2006-07 UEFA Cup final that was contested between two Spanish sides; Espanyol and Sevilla.
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Nosa 77 (m)
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Manu will win it hands down
their consistency will not disappoint them
in for a great night of football entertainment for sure
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andyty (m)
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Barcelona will definitely good football with lots of possession but I believe Man U will prevail at the end pf the day. It's going to be a good final btw two great teams but I give it to Man U.
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khanye (m)
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Head-To-Head Record
Man Utd wins – 3
Barcelona wins – 2
Draws – 4
Man Utd goals – 14
Barcelona goals - 15
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andyty (m)
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Barcelona will definitely play good football with lots of possession but I believe Man U will prevail at the end pf the day. It's going to be a good final btw two great teams but I give it to Man U. Ronaldo and Messi may not be the stars of the final.
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khanye (m)
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Manchester United vs FC Barcelona Champions League FINAL -- Rome 2009 - PREVIEW!!!<![CDATA[<a href="http://www.youtube.com/v/JHO0Kee8Tmk&hl=en&fs=1"" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/v/JHO0Kee8Tmk&hl=en&fs=1"</a>]]>
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tayoccu (m)
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my vote?
Barca.
it's gonna be a slim victory,1-0,2-1, but barca will win.
or else we'll spend all eternity listening to noise of the historic quad.
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khanye (m)
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Barcelona versus Manchester United. It’s the fantasy Champions League final everyone was waiting for and everyone wanted to see, except maybe Chelsea and Arsenal fans.
Regardless of any arguments as to whether or not the right teams are in the showpiece event of Europe’s blue riband competition, there’s no denying that based on results, performances and achievements throughout the 2008/09 campaign, Barca and United thoroughly deserve their place in Rome.
They have been, without question, the two best club sides this season: two teams who have been supremely dominant over their peers, who have already completed domestic doubles; two sides who are the most attack-minded in world football with two of the best players on the planet today. |
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biola44 (m)
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barca 3 manu 1
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Cristalz (f)
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Imagine. . .18 votes for Barca and just 3 for United?  So the majority are on Guardiola's side. . .hmmm. |
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eyonigger (m)
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Imagine. . .18 votes for Barca and just 3 for United? So the majority are on Guardiola's side. . .hmmm. Bad belle pple+well wishers na |
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~Sauron~
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If there’s one glaring weakness to United’s game, it is their right side of defence. Whether that slot is occupied by the unfancied John O’Shea, the inexperienced Rafael Da Silva or the ageing Gary Neville, that is where Barca must focus their attacks.
With Ronaldo unwilling to double back to help defend, and with his penchant for losing the ball and drifting out of position, Guardiola’s superstars will have plenty of opportunities to exploit and gang-up on that flank, especially through Iniesta and Henry.
This will hopefully allow Sylvinho to carry on with his main task at hand while also relieving the extra burden and attention on Messi on the other side of the wing.
Of course, outlining such a game plan on the comforts of the Wi-Fi powered laptop is far easier than putting it into practice on the pitch, let alone executing it in the final of the Champions League. But whatever the case, for those who think that the Red Devils will easily saunter to the top of the podium of the Stadio Olimpico because they have a more rounded team, you might like to consider calling up your bookie.
Stop copying from goal.com to sound brilliant. This is the laziest piece of journalism i have ever read on any sports website. Barcelona are an attacking football side simply because they cannot DEFEND. Like every other team in the world, they play to their strengths. People accused Chelsea for being anti-football, that's a whole heap of applesauce. A team like Barcelona(arguably the best team in the world) should be able to beat any team ahead of them. English teams 'park the bus' for Man Utd, Chelsea and Arsenal in the EPL and they all scheme ways to beat their opponents. United are a more balanced side than Barcelona. Man Utd defence is better than Chelsea's(a team Barcelona managed to beat with the aid of a biased ref). Moreover, they have better strikers who can finish Barca off on a counter-attack, something Chelsea failed to achieve at SB. It will be a comfortable victory for United. |
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eyonigger (m)
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Fool, Khanye probably forgot to quote it, he feels good trying to run other people over. Khayne always quote whatever he brings from other websites.
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khanye (m)
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Barcelona are an attacking football side simply because they cannot DEFEND. They've got 30 goals on the way to the final Man utd. scored 27 last season. They've got the best attack in europe! It's the best attack vs. the meanest defense! English teams 'park the bus' for Man Utd, Chelsea and Arsenal in the EPL and they all scheme ways to beat their opponents.
United are a more balanced side than Barcelona. Barca beat Arsenal to lift the cup in 2006 Man utd. beat Barca to reach the finals last season Barca beat chelsea to reach the final I wonder why u're crying! Moreover, they have better strikers who can finish Barca off on a counter-attack, something Chelsea failed to achieve at SB. Man U scored 1 goal in 360min against spanish team yet, you come here to say shit about spanish teams not having a good defence You're deluded! |
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~Sauron~
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They've got 30 goals on the way to the final
Man utd. scored 27 last season.
They've got the best attack in europe!
It's the best attack vs. the meanest defense!
Barca lost a Champions League game in this campaign. United have not lost yet in the past 25 Champions League games. We have the best attack and the best defence, the best goalkeeper. . . . . . .Barca have the best midfield Barca beat Arsenal to lift the cup in 2006
Against 10 men for almost 70 mins. Man utd. beat Barca to reach the finals last season
Barca beat chelsea to reach the final
I wonder why u're crying!
Beat Chelsea?? Aided by a biased referee. Barcelona always have the referee on their side. Mourinho's latest comment should convince you. Man U scored 1 goal in 360min against spanish team
yet, you come here to say shit about spanish teams not having a good defence
You're deluded!
You are a spastic camel. United met Barcelona last season and they murdered em . . . . They also stopped em from scoring in 180 mins. Arsenal(United's bitch) destroyed Villareal. . . . . .Liverpool(United's superbitch) destroyed Barcelona at Nou Camp some seasons ago. This victory will be too easy for United. . . . . .Watch Ronaldo and Rooney run circles around Silvinho and Carceres. |
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switch47
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@Kanye Qoute or no quote, FIRE ON!! after all photocopy ko easy------ SWITCH SAYS www.switch47.blogspot.com BArcelona facing Manchester united is a tale of Two greats!! two champions in a duel - a case of an unstoppable force facing and colliding with an eternally immovable object. unlike the Barcelona chelsea Game - where one team plays and the other defends- HERE Both teams play (usualy/traditionally) and it will be a case of a TEAM OUTSCORING THE OTHER!! element of luck may come into play and the first team to score stands a better chance to score more on the counter. I reapect Man United and their form & superb achivement this season they also entertain some thing chelski lacks i was on the Reds side against chelsea in Moscow!! BUT I STAND WITH BARCELONA IN ROME!! But most importantly I love both teams- so i am going to seat back and enjoy the game like the next TOM & JERRY series CR7(Tom) Messi (jerry) one running like a grass cutter , the other like a motor scooter. LOL |
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