Some would say Wednesday’s UEFA Champions League final is a battle of two evils. Since Manchester United and Chelsea are two of the world’s richest and most powerful clubs, the ability to buy any player and build unsurpassed depth has allowed the sides to make it to Moscow. However, lamenting the fact that it is an all-English final and the world’s disdain for the Blues and Red Devils, I for one am eagerly anticipating the final.
And why not?
It’s Europe’s most prestigious tournament and it is going to be played by two immensely talented sides. Who cares if it is Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich’s back yard? Who cares if they’ve played each other three times with Man U taking two of the matches (including the Community Shield)? Who cares if they might not play open, free, attacking football the entire match? They are trying to win the Champions League, right?
This will probably end up being a 1-0 or 1-1 match that goes into extra time or even penalties. Both sides are hard nosed and will not succumb to the pressure of the stage.
But to those who are turning their noses up at this match up, I ask you to reconsider. Forget about your disdain for Cristiano Ronaldo’s antics and admire his step-overs and impossible-to-stop swerving free kicks. Look past your hatred for John Terry and see his remarkable recovery from a dislocated elbow suffered in the Premier League season finale.
The game will be a knock-down drag out affair and viewers should know that heading into it. While a 4-3 score line would be wonderful, I would be shocked if anything close to that occurred.
So who will win it?
I’m going with Manchester United, which seems to be on a mission this season. It was the best side in the Premier League all season and it currently has the best player in the world in Ronaldo. Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic are rocks in the center of defense and Sir Alex Ferguson has his choice of midfielders to combat Frank Lampard and Michael Essien. Ferguson has said he would include Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes if United reached the final and their experience will prove valuable. Owen Hargreaves European experience should also lend itself well. A late substitution of Nani or Anderson with fresh legs could prove the difference. Meanwhile if United can control Didier Drogba there might not be any more offensive support for the Blues.
While it may not be a thriller I see United lifting the trophy in the end with a 1-0 win and completing the double.
My money is on Chelsea, but agree that it isn’t going to be a thriller. Both sides will simply be too scared to lose. Chelsea 2-1 I think.