Champions League Final: Will Chelsea Reign, or Will It Be United Once More?

Unlike in the Premier League this season when the title was United’s to lose, the Champions League final will be an evenly contested affair with either team capable of achieving European glory. 

Manchester United comes into the game full of confidence after clinching their 10^th Premiership title a week and a half ago. But Sir Alex Ferguson’s men will undoubtedly be aware that it was Chelsea who put a dampener on their campaign just over a year ago. 

The Red Devils had just won their first league title in four years and were hoping to clinch a domestic double by beating Chelsea in the first FA Cup final in the new Wembley. 

Jose Mourinho had other ideas, however. Didier Drogba scored late in extra time and the Blues secured their second trophy of the season following success in the Carling Cup back in February. 

Sir Alex Ferguson says we can expect a very different game from last year’s FA Cup final against Chelsea.

"I think it will be a British affair, but it will be different from the FA Cup final," he said. "I’m absolutely certain of that. We will be fresher, and with that being the case I expect a better performance from us."

Chelsea’s game plan was to stifle United’s attacking play. Jose Mourinho even asked his players before the match, “Do you want to enjoy it during the game or after the game?” The Chelsea players obviously chose the latter, although it clearly paid dividends.

A lot has changed since then, but nothing can deter the fact that both teams will be desperate to win at the Luzhniki Stadium tonight. Avram Grant even claims he won’t board a plane back to England unless he has the Champions League trophy with him. 

And after failing to stop Manchester United from winning the Premiership, Grant will do everything possible to make sure the Red Devils won’t be lifting another trophy this season.

Chelsea’s style of football is still similar to the way it was a year ago when they triumphed over Manchester United in the FA Cup final. Avram Grant employs a firm, well-organized defense with an oppressing and physical midfield. 

Their front man, Didier Drogba, isn’t lacking when it comes to his physical presence, and as Liverpool observed, can turn a game on its head at any moment.

Manchester United’s style of play hasn’t changed at all over the past year. Sir Alex Ferguson still enforces a strong, compact defense, while encouraging both full backs to join in the attack when necessary. 

United’s midfield is still more than able to cut open opposing defenses, and with the attacking players United have in their ranks, are more than capable of scoring loads of goals. 

Tonight’s Champions League final, the first all-English final ever, has all the makings of a great match. It’s hard to predict whether or not it will be an open game, but nonetheless, it will be a match that has everyone on the edge of theirs seats.