Manchester United-Barcelona: All Eyes On Old Trafford

After a cagey and rather dull display of football at the Camp Nou the two footballing giants of Europe shift their rivalry to Old Trafford-The theatre of dreams.

Taking a 0-0 scoreline into this leg, none of the two teams would be certain of their qualification to the finals in Moscow. On the other hand both teams would equally fancy themselves to go through. This highlights the romantics of Champions League football

Both the teams though had disappointing weekend encounters, United losing out to Chelsea and Barcelona losing to Deportivo. But they both managed to rest some key performers (Barcelona more than United) and we may hope to see some fresh legs trying their best to overcome their opponents.

This semifinal was billed as the celebration of attacking footballing and the first leg came as a big disappoint to all the football lovers across the globe. 

United were blamed of coming with a negative approach to camp nou but with modern football becoming so result oriented who can blame them. For some though their defensive display was a joy to watch.

But at Old Trafford the onus will be on them to go out and attack and that would ensure that both teams get ample space in the field to play their passing football.

Looking ahead to Tuesday's encounter, tactically, one feels that United would start with 4-5-1 again though with Rooney on the conventional role of a centre forward and hopefully Giggs and Ronaldo on the flanks.

Barcelona will not go for the jugular right from the word go, but one feels -like Rijkaard has himself instructed- that Barcelona would start Henry upfront with Etoo and given Henry's liking for Old Trafford and United's defence this tactic might actually work.

Given the History of both the teams a 0-0 score again is highly unlikely. Both the teams still are unbeaten in this edition of the Champions League and that is sure to change this Tuesday- whether it takes penalties or away goals or a win remains to be seen.

Brace yourself for the second leg of semifinals between two best teams in Europe this year. Hopefully, this time we will not be disappointed.