All Eyes on Stadio Olimpico

By Zain Alvi | 26th May 2009

All Eyes on Stadio Olimpico | read this item

messi Burnley may have stolen quite a few headlines yesterday after securing a long-awaited promotion to the Barclays Premier League. However, Burnley’s promotion really shouldn’t be a newsflash to anyone, as the former Championship outfit already impressed big time during a dream run in the Carling Cup, which saw them eliminate Chelsea and Arsenal en route to a thrilling semifinal against Tottenham. Besides, starting now, we can expect all the newscasters to turn their attention to the Eternal City, where two of Europe’s biggest clubs compete for the continent’s greatest prize in a matter of hours.

Holders Manchester United and challengers FC Barcelona have both added to their past reputation by adding quite a bit of silverware in their respective trophy cabinets this season. While Sir Alex Ferguson’s men followed up their FIFA World Club Championship with a well-deserved Premier League title as well as a supplementary Carling Cup trophy, their Catalan counterparts have been equally impressive under the leadership of rookie coach Pep Guardiola. The young manager has led his side to a league and Cup double, and victory at the Stadio Olimpico would mean that Barcelona would complete a traditional treble in Guardiola’s very first year.

United’s FA Cup disappointment means that they cannot repeat the more prestigious traditional treble from 1999. However, victory on Wednesday will mean that the Red Devils will end the season with more silverware (thanks to the World Club Championship) than they won in 1999. Given Sir Alex Ferguson’s immense experience as well as an unprecedented hunger to win the Champions League once again, it is very difficult to rule against United on Wednesday. However, Guardiola’s inexperience can easily be compensated by the hunger brought forth by some of his players.

For example, former Manchester United defender Gerard Pique will be desperate to show that he is better off representing the Camp Nou outfit. In addition, young stars such as Yaya Toure and Seydou Keita will be ready to give intense competition to Manchester United’s rising stars in order to prove that they deserve to be playing at such a high level. Last but not least, we have to remember that Thierry Henry will be pushing extremely hard to get that long overdue Champions League medal.

Obviously, there is a lot on the line in this Wednesday’s Champions League Final. Everyone knew that even before getting a glimpse of my article. This article purely highlights what might be going through the minds of each and every one of the players involved as they sit in their dressing room preparing for that moment of glory. While the members of both the squads dream of that moment, it’s that time again when we all join in on the build-up to this great occasion as the Champions League reaches its thrilling climax.

Who do you think will take home the Champions League crown? Have your say in the comments section below!