UEFA Champion's League Final 2008 Preview
Tuesday May 20, 2008
The first all-English UEFA Champion's League final is only 24 hours away and the pressure from all quarters is really starting build. The British press have been full of stories of wantaway stars from both finalists Chelsea and Manchester United this week as they try to add an extra edge to a final that already has more than enough spice about it.
Last week's thrilling finale to the 2007/2008 English Premier League season saw Manchester United draw first blood by claiming the title at Chelsea's expense but it will mean little as these two great rivals in recent seasons lock horns once again with top players such as Chelsea's Didier Drogba and John Terry facing United counterparts Cristiano Ronaldo and Rio Ferdinand.
The thought of so many thousands of English fans descending on Moscow for the final must be causing worries for the authorities but with their security forces reputation for heavy handedness it is unlikely to turn into another one sided riot situation like the UEFA Cup final last week. Instead we hope that all of the talking is done on the pitch and we get the kind of free flowing game that the greatest club game in the world deserves.
I'm predicting a Manchester United win by the odd goal in three and if there is any justice in the world it will be Portuguese star Ronaldo who scores the winner to round off a magnificent season in the red shirt.
(Image copyright Shaun Botterill / Getty Images)
Comments
I do not think Cristiano Ronaldo scoring goals will be the difference in this match, the defense of Cheslea will be so preoccupied with him there goals will come via service from Ronaldo or set play where Cheslea have been weak compared to Man U. If Chelsea are to have a chance someone besides Drogba, Lampard or Ballack must get it done (J Cole maybe), Man U will know where they are and there defense is the best. Not having the same star power, they play more focused than Chelsea. It will be the overall toughness ManU has demonstrated all season and escpecially in the CL that will give them the victory 2 - 1 Man U.
Guess I was wrong on all acounts. Chelsea lost Ronaldo and rose to the occation and scored on an awsome header. Lampard then capitalized on some bad defense by United. Who could have guessed Cristiano would miss his kick from the mark. But the best team won even if it wasn’t their defense or attack that did it. Sometimes it’s better to be lucky than good.