UEFA Champions League Final: Barcelona vs. Manchester United Lives Up to Billing

Rooney equalizes.
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The Barcelona-Manchester Untied UEFA Champions League final at Wembley has been one of the highest anticipated in recent memory, and rightfully so.

So far, the tilt has lived up to the billing.

In a very open, offensive-heavy first half, both sides have supplied plenty of fireworks.

Barcelona and Manchester United enter at the half tied 1-1.

United dominated the first 10 minutes with a handful of chances from Javier Hernandez (Chicharito).

Barcelona initially appeared off of their game and couldn't quite settle into their standard tiki-taka possession-heavy style of offensive flow. Shortly thereafter Barcelona resumed controlling the possession and were only stumped by a few timely defensive stops from Nemaja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand.

Then what seemed inevitable became reality: Barcelona took an early 1-0 lead.

Xavi found Pedro along the right flank in front of the goal and the Spaniard beat Edwin van der Sar on the near post in the 27th minute.

A shocked Manchester United side didn't take long to strike back. Wayne Rooney playing at the home of his English National Team games, fired an absolute laser past Barcelona keeper Victor Valdes to get the Red Devils back into the game.

The game, so far, has more than lives up to its billing. Lionel Messi hasn't found the back of the net, but he has still made a handful of jaw-dropping runs through the middle of United's defense.

The second half promises to be a noteworthy one. Check back here for all the updates.

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