A Roman Feast: Barcelona vs Manchester United

A small region around Moore Park estate in West London aside, the footballing world is smacking its lips and licking its fingers awaiting an indulgent feast. Chelsea players and fans, however, are still licking their wounds.

Make no mistake about it; the refereeing in the second leg of the Champions league final was ruinously woeful.

Even taking into account the referee’s position at the time of contact and the enormity of the contest, Chelsea were robbed of two clear penalties. And a two or three goal advantage then, might have ensured a re-match of last season’s Champion’s league final.

Something the rest of the footballing world did NOT want.

For all their terrific football professionals, Chelsea lack the spark required to play out a cracker of a final against Man United in Rome. The re-match, fuelled by retribution, would have been a cagey affair destined for shootouts, if not for a moment of inspiration.

The ball would have been fought for with the valour of a sword fighter and on exhibition would have been a high tempo slug fest with no aesthetics guaranteed.                

Thankfully, yes thankfully, Messrs Ovrebo and assistants (why spare them, while we are at it?) had the worst night of their lives, pre-marital disasters in bed notwithstanding.

Because now, the stage is set for one truly wonderful team to ascend to heights attained never before. No Spanish side has ever done the treble in history. No side in the history of the Champions league has managed to successfully defend it.

Manchester United and Barcelona stand at the brink of imposing greatness. And while one will lift the trophy aloft amid a 73,000 capacity Stadio Olympico, the other will be inconsolable, despite winning the domestic league and a domestic cup. The stakes are high, but the anticipation and excitement in the air this time is much, much higher.

And who can blame the footballing world for it? Messi, Xavi, Iniesta, Henry, Eto’o, Ronaldo, Rooney, Berbatov, Giggs, and Tevez—the list sounds more like a who’s who of European attacking talent.

And they will all be on display (for at least sometime, presumably) this Wednesday night on your television screen. Unless, of course, you are among the "chosen" few at the scene of action!

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