Winning the Champions League Final is now seen by Europe’s best teams as the ultimate prize. No longer is winning the domestic title sufficient for the likes of the huge four in the English Premier League, or the major clubs participating in Spain, Italy and the rest of Europe.
Significantly is at stake, reputation, glory and money and this season’s Champions League has been practically nothing if not controversial. Now the climax that most neutrals have wanted is imminent Manchester United will take on Barcelona in Rome on Might 27th in the 2009 Champions league Final.
Barcelona’s spectacular last-gasp semi-final, second-leg added time winner denied Chelsea the likelihood to make the Final an all-English affair for the second year in a row, leaving the London-primarily based team to lick their wounds and a particular Norwegian referee, embroiled in controversy to hurriedly exit the UK.
However, Manchester United’s place in the Final never ever looked in doubt from as early as ten minutes into the semi-final, second leg when they stormed to a two- lead on the evening, at some point steamrollering Arsenal 4-1 on aggregate and breezing into the final berth. Now, the reigning Premier League champions are aiming to return the Champions League Cup to their trophy cabinet with a win over Barcelona. But, obtaining lost their appeal to UEFA, United will face the Spanish giants with out key defender Darren Fletcher who was sent off in the course of the second-leg semi for a foul on Arsenal’s Cesc Fabregas. Rio Ferdinand is also a big doubt as he struggles to overcome injury, but that won’t cease as several Manchester United fans as feasible attempting to book their ticket to Rome.
Suggestions to non-football fans preparing a trip to the Italian capital – avoid the final week of Could! Whilst in town both sets of supporters will no doubt be taking the opportunity to see what else the beautiful city has to offer, meaning that Rome hotels, restaurants and bars will be packed with tens of thousands of Mancunians and Catalonians. So, unless you can stand frenzied football fans all teetering on the edge of anticipation then it could be best to avoid Rome until the commence of June.
Despite the fact that no problems is anticipated, travelling football fans do tend to get really boisterous, particularly in the final 24 hours ahead of the game kicks-off. So, there will be no quiet contemplation at the Trevi Fountain, or rest and relaxation in Rome’s piazzas during the run-up to the final, and unless you are prepared to be portion of that atmosphere, steer clear of Rome till the football circus departs!
