It's that time of the year again, when my mom thinks that my behavior is on the border of Insanity. No it's nothing to do with the hot weather, but it's the last week of May the time when close to 100 million passionate supporters spread across different time zones gather to watch the spectacle called Champions League Final.
Critics would still say that it's the league title in one's native country that would provide most satisfaction to a club's loyal support base, but there's something magical about this whole format that brings together the best teams across europe. Given that most of the world's top footballing talent is display in leagues across europe , it shouldn't be a surprise as to why it is a marquee competition.
Enough of the praise for the format / players, it's time to get back to business and time for some serious hardcore analysis ( this is what I bankers are paid for). So it's the re run of the 2009 final when Barcelona seemed to be the only team playing at san siro. If rumors are to be believed it was the after effect of guardiola's brilliant pre match strategy of showing a video based on gladiator theme to his players ( Gosh!! what can one expect in england). Barcelona thrashed manchester united that night, if i can remember they were not even able to string together a sequence of more than three passes in the mid field. But when you have magicians like Iniesta and Xavi controlling the midfield, I would not have given the hapless red devils an iota of chance.
This final would again be a contrast of two playing styles, the beautiful and free flowing football played by barcelona. As the saying goes practice makes one perfect, it shouldn't be a surprise that what is taught in their training academy is replicated on the playing field. Contrast this to manchester united's style of playing that demands that one wins at any cost. So their strategy revolves around stifling their opponents, closing down the flanks and attacking them on the counter attacks. ( Don't think they can beat barcelona at their own game). I am no expert to talk about players combinations (4-4-2, 4-5-1) but both teams are certainly spoilt for choices, when it comes to alternatives for each position on the ground. Still it would be Messi Vs Red Devils XI, considering how the argentine has become the pivot around which the whole team revolves around. One should never forget barcelona's great mid field but the magic of little man overshadow's them all.
Now coming back to saturday's match it's gonna be a great spectacle with most of the Wembley chokker block with english supporters. Perhaps it would be the best chance for manchester united to win this one, considering they are accustomed to these conditions. But my sentimental favorites would still be barcelona, they have promoted a brand of football over the past 3 years that makes you watch this game, how magically they are able to weave their web around the opponent and then literally walk the ball inside the goal.
One off final's do have there share of surprises as its the performance on that night which matters, frankly if barcelona were to play manchester united 15 times a year their record would be 14-1. That apart it would also be a fight between two tacticians Alex Ferguson and Pep Guardiol, with Ferguson being the master at this one.
Saturday's final might not live upto it's expectation as one never sees free flowing football on big match occasions. Whatever the outcome it's going to be a grand spectacle with 100 million zombies like me glued to the idiot box. Perhaps it would be interesting gesture to wear that barcelona jersey and watch the match amongst manchester united's supporters in the "Man Utd" Cafe at lower parel. Any one game for this ?
