For the first time in the history of the UEFA Champions League, both teams participating in the final will be English.
Manchester United eliminated Spanish giants Barcelona in the semifinals, while Chelsea knocked out English rivals and five time winners Liverpool to book a place in the final.
It’s the first time in nine years Manchester United will be making the trip to the final and few can forget what happened the last time they made it. It’s an entire different case for Chelsea, who will be participating in the first European final in their history.
But history will be nothing more than a diminutive fact when the two sides meet in Moscow later this month. It has all the makings of a mouth watering and unforgettable contest.
Throughout the season, especially in the latter fraction, people have been hailing England as Europe’s finest league. Few can argue with this statement after three English teams made it to the semi finals of the Champions League for the second consecutive season.
But I’ve decided to go one step further by declaring Chelsea and Manchester United as the best two clubs in Europe. Both sides made it to the semi finals in Europe’s prestige competition last year and both have gone one step further this year by reaching the final.
Manchester United won the English Premier League last year while Chelsea finished as runners-up in Europe’s pre-eminent league. With two games left to play in the league this season, Manchester United leads Chelsea only by a superior goal difference.
Manchester United will be hoping to retain their Premier League crown and solidify their standing as England’s current most successful side. Chelsea, meanwhile, will be desperate to reclaim the title they won two years in a row before losing the title to Sir Alex Ferguson’s men last year.
Manchester United has one of football’s most successful managers ever in Sir Alex Ferguson. The Scotsman has created yet another squad capable of reaching great heights.
Chelsea is led by Avram Grant, who is by no means known for his achievements, but has forged a powerful team following the departure of Jose Mourinho.
It’s hard to separate these two teams at the moment, but when it comes to choosing Europe’s best two clubs, it is a much simpler task.
Manchester United and Chelsea can already claim to be England’s best two clubs, but they are now worthy of asserting themselves as the best two clubs in all of Europe.
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5 months ago
This season yes they are the two best clubs in Europe. They both deserve to be in the final. If they didn't, they wouldn't be there.
from 5 months ago
AGREED.
5 months ago
No doubt. Chelsea best for some time. Not the most entertaining though.
from 5 months ago
I wouldn't say Chelsea are the best. Premier League table sorts that out. I think United have the perfect squad, fergie can take so many players out and replace them, and still beat most teams. I think United will win the title, but I think Chelsea have the Champions League. and that's a man.utd supporter saying that.
from 5 months ago
I am neutral. I had agood look at both and I saw few weaknesses in Chelsea even though they might not be a fun side to watch at times, they are very focused and a compact team. Hard to beat on any day.
They let the league get away from them,they have a bad goal difference and drew too many games.
However in a knockout tourney or a one off game I give them the edge.
ManU are far more fun to watch, score many goals, almost resemble a South American team. I like watching them but I see weaknesses. I would not fear them as much in a one off game as I would Chelsea.
Anything can happen on the 21st. Lets see.
5 months ago
It is going to be a battle of the best attack against the best defence, which can make for an exciting final. I'm hoping Chelsea will win both the premiership and the Champions League but think they will only win the Champions League.
from 5 months ago
By that I assume you mean United's attack and Chelsea's defence? I must say you're wrong!! For your information, United have the best attack AND defence. If their last encounter is anything to go by, BOTH teams will attack and BOTH teams will defend.
Either way, your right, it'll make an exciting final....
5 months ago
salomon is right, united do have the best attack and defence. it shows how much united have improved since the 2003/2004 season. United lost nine times, arsenal didn't lose once.
5 months ago
A most interesting synopsis and extremely well composed. However I have to agree with others, Jeff fails to state how Manchester United and Chelsea reached the positions as "BEST IN EUROPE" and for how long he believes they will retain the status.
The simple facts are financial clout has allowed them to recruit players from all over the world and that money has been imported from The United States and Russia.
It is, in my opinion, easy to dominate any business, football or otherwise, if it is unlimited capital is placed at the disposal of those in control and this certainly pertains with the clubs mentioned.
Nevertheless Jeff has made a good case.
May I enquire the name of the club he actually supports ?
5 months ago
Both clubs have good young players so I wouldn't be too surprised to see them retain the status as "Best in Europe" for a few years to come. Both of these clubs are well off financially so they don't have much too worry about in that aspect either.
And if you read my profile, Peter, you'll discover I'm a Manchester United fan. But i would like to state, however, that I try my best not to be biased in my articles or comments on other member's articles. Thanks for the comments though.
5 months ago
One weakness for united is they often get caught out in set pieces. They are great in other areas but that area needs a bit of work.
5 months ago
I don't think United are too bad at set pieces. Maybe they could use a little improvement but I don't think it's a major weakness. For some reason long throw-ins often seem to cause a problem for United's defense though.
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