Champions League Final: Champions v. Champions

The most prestigious and lucrative club competition final in Europe is tonight—27 May 2009. The 2009 UEFA Champions League final will be the 54th edition of Europe's historic club competition, and the fourth to be hosted at StadioOlympico in Rome, Italy, where English champions and current European champions Manchester United defend their trophy against Spanish giant Barcelona FC.

The old Trafford based outfits are chasing a fourth Champions League title, their third under Sir Alex Ferguson, 68, while Barcelona look for their third title in this, the seventh head to head clash between the two sides in Europe.

Under former defensive midfielder and captain Josep "Pep" Guardiola, 38, Barcelona FC had scored an astonishing 151 goals in 57 games this season with two games still to play, thanks to Samuel Eto’o's 34 goals in 49 games and Leo Messi’s magic feet with 23 goals in La Liga and eight in the Champions League.

Manchester United—unbeaten in 25 Champions League games—will again rely in their 2009 club players and fans player of the year Nemanja Vidic and mates to keep La Masia graduatees Xavi Hernandez, Andres Iniesta, and Leo Messi at bay. While 2008 awards winner Cristiano Ronaldo, and his 18 goals in the Premiership this season, with Wayne Rooney look for goals to win it.

Barcelona are without defenders Rafael Marques and Gabriel Milito who are both injured, while Brazilian Daniel Alves and Frenchmen Eric Abidal are both suspended. Manchester United’s Darren Fletcher also misses out through suspension.

Highly decorated and respected in the football world, Sir Alex could become the first manager to win the Champions League in succession while Guardiola also toys with a chance to become the sixth man to be honoured with a Champions League medal both as a player and manager.

It is youth against experience in Rome and there will be only one winner.