The Clash of the Titans: Rematch

          


  It’s the English Champions vs La Liga Championes. Rooney vs Messi. Alex Ferguson vs Pep Guardiola. Immovable object vs unstoppable force. In a match billed as the clash of the titans and the perfect final, May 28, 2011 marks the day where Manchester United takes on Barcelona at the historic Wembley stadium for both clubs’ fourth Champions League trophy in a rematch of the 2009 encounter in Rome. As a die-hard fan of the Red Devils, I was utterly gutted and bitterly disappointed of the manner in which we surrendered our title to Messi & Co. without putting up any fight. Before the match, I just had that uneasy feeling that Barcelona would win it although it would’ve been great to be the first club to have ever defended the Champions League since its inception.

            The pinnacle of being a true United fan, I should say, would be to witness their triumph in the Champions League. The dominance and stranglehold we had in the domestic league is far from what we have witnessed in Europe. Thus, winning the Champions League is like once in a blue moon for every United supporter. I was too young to keep up with football when we first won it in the 1999 thriller. I was nearly heartbroken as if my wife had betrayed me until when van der Sar saved Nicholas Anelka’s penalty in Moscow back in 2008. In 2009, I was sitting on my couch feeling helpless as I watched a disappointing second half in Rome. This time around, although it looks like a David vs Goliath match and United being the odd underdog (which is a rarity), I just have that sense of belief that we’ll nick it.

            Manchester United have been in sensational form this season in Europe and this was evident in their 4-1 thumping of Schalke despite fielding second stringers and also the defeat of Chelsea. Fergie would be buoyed by the fact that his team has not conceded a goal in any away match and is also undefeated in Europe this season, despite being labeled as the weakest United team in years. With the sale of Ronaldo and Tevez along with the recruitment of Valencia and Chicharito, the Red Devils look much more compact compared to 2009. Besides, should there be any added incentives, it would be a great achievement for Chicharito as it is his debut season and also the lad would want to win the ‘Big Old Ears’ for van der Sar who will be playing his final game for United.

*The 'Big Old Ears'

            Meanwhile, Barcelona has been superb all season long. They have been the team to beat since 2008/09. Boasting the likes of Iniesta, Xavi, Villa and the World Player of the Year, Lionel Messi, it’s no wonder we are the underdogs. Having known for playing crisp passes, beautiful football and ability to retain possession, their image has been tarnished lately due to the unsporting behavior of their players’ diving controversies. I’ll click the refresh button and see what pops out. In 2009, Barca eliminated Chelsea in Stamford Bridge after the referee waved away four penalties for Chelsea. This season, Barca knocked out Arsenal after Robin van Persie was sent off harshly in the quarter-finals while Pepe was red carded for Real Madrid in the first leg of the semis when the match was still in balance. All these controversies would certainly taint Barcelona’s triumph if they were to win it this Saturday.

            “I think Barcelona gets UEFA’s favour maybe it’s because they have close links with UNICEF as stated in their jersey,” Jose Mourinho. Even with prima donna players and bias referees, I’m certain that Sir Alex Ferguson has what it takes to avenge their 2009 loss and had even resorted to Jose Mourinho on how to stop the unstoppable Messi. Personally, if I was the gaffer, I would place Ji-sung in the middle of the Park and track Messi’s movements. Although it is a difficult task but the Korean is the best man to do the job. Secondly, I would put my bet on the evergreen Giggs on the left and the robust Valencia on both wings to stretch Barcelona’s full backs. Rooney would then have to assume his new found role and play behind Chicharito while distributing the balls to both flanks. It sounds like a pretty straight forward job but that is if we’re able to keep hold of the ball. United can ill afford to sit back and absorb Barca’s attack as what we would normally do against Arsenal but should go on the attack to win back the ball as quickly as possible ala Barca style and then round it off with a trademark United attack.

            Wembley brings back fond memories for both clubs’ as it is the ground where both had won their maiden trophy. United are undoubtedly the underdogs in this match but having seen miracles happening in football, I don’t think the trophy should be engraved with ‘BARCELONA’ just yet. Whoever wins this Saturday, I’m just hoping for it to be an entertaining finale not just for the supporters of both clubs but also for the neutrals. They may have the World Player of the Year, the referees and UEFA but United has the BELIEF from the millions of their supporters. May the best and clean team wins. This one is for all the Real Madrid, Chelsea and Arsenal fans  out there. Justice shall be served. Fyi, I just had a random prediction by playing three rounds of checkers and it turned out that United will win it 2-0. *fingers crossed*