What match-up do you want in the Champions League Final?
This year's final is bound to have a mouth watering match-up
The Draw for the Champions League Semis; Chelsea- Barcelona and Man United – Arsenal, while mouth-watering in itself, sets up the possibility of a very interesting finals match-up. Each of the four possibilities is extremely fascinating; both in terms of the action on and off the field, the history between the two sides and the other associated story lines.
The football fans are really spoilt for choice here.
So let’s look at each of the 4 potential show downs and identify the reasons why we would want to see a final featuring these two sides.
Chelsea – Man United – These two sides gave us 120 minutes of attacking football in last year’s final – a rarity in ECL finals and therefore, this match-up would be the first choice for those who are bored of the safety first defensive approaches which are the staple of such occasions. This would also pit two of the greatest managers of the last 20 years, Guus Hiddink and Alex Ferguson, and that would be a real battle of wits. And finally, there is the revenge and redemption angle as well, a chance for John Terry to exorcise his worst nightmare. Man United’s successes over Chelsea in the last two Premier league races, in the last ECL final and in their last encounter has resulted in the sacking of Mourinho, Avram Grant and Phil Scolari respectively. Another triumph could bust all the euphoria over Hiddink and herald the arrival of yet another new manager at Stamford Bridge.
The battle Royale
Man United –Barcelona – This final would determine a lot of things. The battle between two of the most dominant and attack-minded teams in Europe would settle the debate, about who are the real Kings of the continent. As the leaders of their respective leagues, this clash will also be billed as the showdown between the Primera Liga and the Premier League. The two best players in world football, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo would come together for a long –awaited duel which will give one set of supporters the bragging rights as the fans of the best player in football. In addition, hostilities will be resumed between United and their old foe, Thierry Henry.
This final could prove one man right
Barcelona – Arsenal – As the rematch of another final, the 2006 one, this match will also re-kindle passions of revenge and deliverance. A much greater twist will be added by the presence of Thierry Henry. Losing the 2006 final forced Henry to leave Arsenal in pursuit of trophies. A win would justify his decision, although it will be ironic to see one of the greatest Gunners ever, denying the club, their long awaited place in the annals of the European greats. A loss would make the Frenchman a massive loser – the only person to end up on the losing side in both Barcelona – Arsenal finals. An Arsenal win will be doubly sweet for Arsene Wenger as the triumph will vindicate his decision to let Henry leave rather than compromise on his youth policy. It will shut up his critics once and for all.
Arsenal – Chelsea – Thanks to their lack of European pedigree, these two clubs are the second class citizens of the Premiership Big 4. After this final, there will be only one set of supporters suffering from an inferiority complex. It will also be a contest of two contrasting philosophies – the most frugal big name club in Europe with an unwavering belief in the power of youth and the biggest spenders in the history of the game with a penchant to throw obscene money at established superstars. Liverpool and United have foiled Abramovich’s European ambitions in the past and Arsenal could become the third English club to do so, also becoming the third Premiership side to win the title, the Russian craves the most, since the time he heralded the Russian revolution at Chelsea. It could well be the final straw that breaks the camel’s back.
Personally, I want to see United play Barcelona. You tell us which final match-up you want to watch.
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