2011 Champions League Final: Samuel Eto'o, Cristiano Ronaldo and Rome Rematch!

Two years from that night at the Stadio Olimpico, Manchester United will be looking for revenge against the side that beat them 2-0 in that final in Rome to be crowned European Champions—extinguishing their aspirations of becoming the first team in the history of the Champions League to win it twice in a row, when they meet Pep Guardiola's Barcelona at London's iconic Wembley stadium in the showpiece final on May 28.

When Barca beat United in Rome, they effectively took revenge for their defeat the hands of the Red Devils at the quarterfinal stage of the competition a year before when Paul Scholes scored a thumping winner at Old Trafford following a 0-0 draw at the Nou Camp.

And although both Barcelona and Manchester United have not changed much since the match in the Italian capital, two players, who were the main characters of that final, have since moved on. Chief protagonist on that night for Barca, Samuel Eto'o and United's star winger, who was left sulking at many times during that match, Cristiano Ronaldo.

Following the final, Eto'o left for Inter Milan and met instant success at the Italian giants with a historic treble in his first season—the Serie A, the Italian Cup and the Champions League. And on the way to the Champions League triumph, Eto'o faced his former club at the semifinal stage before they beat Bayern Munich for continental glory in Madrid.

Ronaldo, on the other hand, has been impressive but hasn't won anything substantial except the Pichichi award and the Copa del Rey this year. And his Real Madrid side were knocked out by Barcelona in the Champions League semifinals after a series of four clasicos.

And looking ahead towards the final in London, Barcelona might miss the presence of Eto'o, while Ronaldo's departure has certainly benefited Manchester United.

In Rome, United revolved around Ronaldo, with the Portuguese ace being their central figure. Now, that has changed. United play more as a team with individual brilliance counting for less. The flair though has not been lessened by even a little. Javier Hernandez, Antonio Valencia, Wayne Rooney, Nani and Park Ji Sung, along with the evergreen Ryan Giggs, offer United with more attacking verve and potency.

For Barca, meanwhile, replacing Eto'o has been difficult. Zlatan Ibrahimovic couldn't do much and was shipped out to AC Milan, while David Villa lacks in goals. Eto'o scored Barca's opening goal in Rome with a piece of individual brilliance as he set Barca on their way to their second Champions League triumph in three years. And while Lionel Messi has been scoring at will, Manchester United's defence might just be able to nullify him due to the absence of some one like Eto'o with him.

Another plus for United is the fact that Darren Fletcher, suspended from the final two years ago, will play against Barcelona. And maybe that could be bigger factor than the absence of Ronaldo for English champions during their clash with the Spanish title-winners in six days time.