Final Whistle

Wes Brown & Christiano Ronaldo celebrate victory in 2008

And so we got the final everyone, it seems, wanted: Barcelona, champions of Spain, versus Manchester United, the English Champs (and Club World Champions): for tonight is the final of the biggest football tournament in the world, the UEFA Champions League Final 2009 takes place in Rome at 19:45 BST.

Millions of eyes will be tuning in to see whether Lionel Messi and friends can repeat their somewhat fortuitous semi-final away goals victory over last year’s beaten finalists Chelsea against the holders Manchester United.

United look to have the edge in this encounter: Barcelona have injury doubts hanging over Iniesta, who scored the goal that brought them here, while United are only lacking Darren Fletcher who’s red card when the semi-final was all but over sees him suspended.

Patrice Evra has the unenviable task of marking the world’s second-best footballer this evening: the best footballer being Christiano Ronaldo, who wears the number 7 shirt for United. If Ronaldo plays his best tonight, Barcelona will have to be worried, as he is a man who can score freely, and from anywhere, with a dead ball and from open play.

United have so much in attack; and they have experience where it matters – in the heart of defence; in goal and in the middle of the park. Barcelona, on the other hand, are less well equipped defensively, and cannot hold possession sufficiently to prevent United’s devastating counter-attacks.

This difference, however, is subtle, and much will depend upon the chances in front of goal, who they fall to, and, as with every football match from the park up to the World Cup Final, whether the shot hits the back of the net.

United have more men who can hit the net in big matches than Barcelona do: that is their slight edge. A slight edge counts for nothing in football, though, and bookmakers think there is very little in this match too, making United favourites by the smallest of margins.

Whatever the final outcome, both teams play football with a swashbuckling style – an early goal should see this develop into a fantastic game. Both teams have their incredibly gifted match winners – it will be interesting to see who the heroes and villains are tonight.

Me? I think United will win this one!