FC Barcelona and Manchester United FC have produced some memorable European nights and with both sides playing some of the most exciting football in Europe this season another classic encounter is expected at the UEFA Champions League final in Rome on 27 May. They have played each other nine times in European competition with United winning three and Barça two, and it is Sir Alex Ferguson's side who have had more to cheer down the years after beating their Catalan rivals to lift the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup in 1991 and in the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League last season.
2007/08 UEFA Champions League semi-finals
Barcelona 0-0 Manchester United
Manchester United 1-0 Barcelona (agg: 1-0)
The five previous meetings between the two teams had served up 27 goals, but with so much at stake the focus this time was on defence. Playing in their first match at the Camp Nou since winning the UEFA Champions League in 1999, United got off to a flying start and were awarded a third-minute penalty, only for the competition's leading scorer Cristiano Ronaldo to uncharacteristically fire wide. United were on the back foot for much of the match but held out for a goalless draw before winning the tie at Old Trafford. Paul Scholes, who had missed the 1999 final through suspension, ensured his side got back there again with a spectacular 14th-minute strike.
1998/99 UEFA Champions League group stage
Manchester United 3-3 Barcelona
Barcelona 3-3 Manchester United
The teams played out two thrilling 3-3 draws in Group D, and though there are no survivors from that Barcelona side in the team today five of the current United squad were involved. Ryan Giggs and Scholes scored the opening two goals of the September 1998 game at Old Trafford, while Wes Brown, Gary Neville and Scholes all figured in the return at the Camp Nou two months later. Rivaldo earned Barcelona a point with a 73rd-minute strike in that game, his second of the night, but it was not enough to stop them crashing out of the competition. United would return to the Camp Nou six months later to lift the trophy.
1994/95 UEFA Champions League group stage
Manchester United 2-2 Barcelona
Barcelona 4-0 Manchester United
Scholes made his European debut as a 67th-minute substitute as United fought back to earn a 2-2 draw at Old Trafford, but they were taught a lesson in the return. Six months after losing 4-0 to AC Milan in the final, Johan Cruyff's Barcelona were in commanding form themselves, a pair of goals from Hristo Stoichkov and strikes from Romário and Albert Ferrer completing a 4-0 win. The present Barcelona coach, Josep Guardiola, was in the Blaugrana lineup that day, while for United Giggs played for 79 minutes before being replaced by Scholes.
1991 UEFA Cup Winners' Cup final
Manchester United 2-1 Barcelona
Sir Alex lifted his first European trophy for United eight years after having won it with Aberdeen FC thanks to a pair of Mark Hughes goals at De Kuip in Rotterdam. Playing against his former club, Hughes struck in the 67th and 74th minutes to put United in control, but a Ronald Koeman free-kick with eleven minutes to play set up a tense finale. Despite Nando's 84th-minute dismissal, Cruyff's side pressed to the end but could not prevent United from marking the return of English clubs to European competition with a trophy.
1983/84 UEFA Cup Winner's Cup quarter-final
Barcelona 2-0 Manchester United
Manchester United 3-0 Barcelona (agg: 3-2)
Cesar Luis Menotti's Barcelona looked on course for a place in the semi-finals after a 2-0 first-leg victory at the Camp Nou, but United came storming back at Old Trafford. Diego Maradona, a substitute in the first leg, was given a starting role but it was United's 'Captain Marvel', Bryan Robson, who stole the show, giving United hope with a 21st-minute strike before pulling Ron Atkinson's side level six minutes after the break. Frank Stapleton added the third and decisive goal a minute later to send United through to the semi-finals where they lost to Juventus.
according to Paul Scholes
The midfielder helped the Reds to negotiate what has sometimes been a difficult fixture, Middlesbrough away, last weekend but even with that potential banana skin out of the way, Scholes remains focused on the task.
"We're in a great position but we've still got tough games to come," Scholes told MUTV after winning at the Riverside.
"At home we've got City - they beat us last year - and Arsenal, which is always difficult. We've also got two tough away games - Wigan's a tough place to go, they're a good attacking team, and Hull are going to be fighting for their lives. So we're not quite there yet."
Eighty-seven points will top the maximum total that Liverpool can achieve; United reached the eighty-point mark by seeing off Middlesbrough with a much-changed side, Scholes being one of seven players who started after not doing so against Arsenal.
"We've got a big squad, we've been saying that all season and it's really been tested," said Scholes. "Thankfully it came through another test at Middlesbrough with the right result.
"Other clubs have got big squads as well but I think our quality in depth is better than anybody else's."
"We're in a great position but we've still got tough games to come," Scholes told MUTV after winning at the Riverside.
"At home we've got City - they beat us last year - and Arsenal, which is always difficult. We've also got two tough away games - Wigan's a tough place to go, they're a good attacking team, and Hull are going to be fighting for their lives. So we're not quite there yet."
Eighty-seven points will top the maximum total that Liverpool can achieve; United reached the eighty-point mark by seeing off Middlesbrough with a much-changed side, Scholes being one of seven players who started after not doing so against Arsenal.
"We've got a big squad, we've been saying that all season and it's really been tested," said Scholes. "Thankfully it came through another test at Middlesbrough with the right result.
"Other clubs have got big squads as well but I think our quality in depth is better than anybody else's."
Manchester derby
Form Guide: United’s midweek Champions League triumph over Arsenal was the fifth straight win since losing the FA Cup semi-final to Everton on penalties. The Reds will be desperate to avenge last year’s 2-1 home defeat to City but more importantly three points would leave the champions needing a maximum of four points from the remaining three games to retain the title (86 points is the highest possible total Liverpool can achieve). City come to Old Trafford on the back of four straight wins including an impressive 2-1 away victory over United’s FA Cup conquerors Everton, only their second away league win this campaign. Mark Hughes' men currently lie eighth and are battling with West Ham, Fulham and Spurs for seventh place in the league and with it, Europa League football next season.
Ins and Outs: Correctly predicting Sir Alex Ferguson’s starting line-up has often proved difficult this season and it's no different for Sunday’s match. There will likely be starting berths for Paul Scholes and Carlos Tevez, who played no part in the Champions League semi-final second leg win over Arsenal, and Darren Fletcher could be given a chance to put his final heartache behind him and drive the Reds’ midfield. City are without injured duo Craig Bellamy and Benjani, who scored both goals at Old Trafford last season, though versatile defender Pablo Zabaleta is expected to return after a hamstring problem. Shaun Wright-Phillips is in contention after missing five games through injury, but in-form Brazilian midfielder Elano may keep him out of the eleven.
Ins and Outs: Correctly predicting Sir Alex Ferguson’s starting line-up has often proved difficult this season and it's no different for Sunday’s match. There will likely be starting berths for Paul Scholes and Carlos Tevez, who played no part in the Champions League semi-final second leg win over Arsenal, and Darren Fletcher could be given a chance to put his final heartache behind him and drive the Reds’ midfield. City are without injured duo Craig Bellamy and Benjani, who scored both goals at Old Trafford last season, though versatile defender Pablo Zabaleta is expected to return after a hamstring problem. Shaun Wright-Phillips is in contention after missing five games through injury, but in-form Brazilian midfielder Elano may keep him out of the eleven.
While early goals at the Emirates settled United’s Champions League destiny
We outmuscled and outplayed Arsene Wenger’s side creating enough chances to win several matches, while Barcelona had one shot on target all night and scored.
Andreas Iniesta has had a stunning season at the Nou Camp and his winning goal wasn’t bad was it? Former United defender Gerard Pique also had a hand in knocking out the Blues, quite literally, seeming to palm away Nicolas Anelka’s through ball. That was just one of the decisions to send Messers Ballack, Drogba and Terry over the edge.
It's no surprise that in today’s media coverage, the word ‘respect’ has been rearing its innocent head after last night's heated scenes in London. Chelsea’s stars will no doubt end up in hot water for their reactions at the final whistle, their reaction contrasting heavily with the way Darren Fletcher dealt with his own personal disappointment at missing out on the final.
Chelsea should have had a penalty or two, but in our game, Arsenal shouldn’t have. Fletch, just like Drogba et al, had his dream of playing in a final cruelly snatched away from him. But did he rant, rave or chase the referee? No, he was graceful even in the most unjust situation. The final between two of football’s aristocratic teams will be played without one of the game’s true gentlemen.
Before the heated exchanges got underway at Chelsea, United’s Academy side ended their season on a high, prospering 3-2 over Blackburn. The Under-18s side had a more U16s look to it with many of next season’s new kids on the block getting a chance to impress before the summer break. Nicky Ajose scored a blockbuster winner after sumptuous approach play by Ravel Morrison.
As I cover the games for MUTV, I'd like to say well done to the lads for an entertaining season and two more trophies in the cabinet (The Milk Cup and the prestigious but awkwardly-titled Torneo Calcio Memorial Claudio Sassi-Sassuolo). The young Reds go to Switzerland in a fortnight for the youth team equivalent of the Champions League – The Blue Stars Tournament – and look out for our coverage of all the best bits of their games there.
The long term future looks very good for United with fresh-faced, skilful youngsters aplenty, but the short-term is dominated by thoughts of a third Premier League title on the bounce and a trip to Rome. Sadly, our Scottish terrier Fletch won’t be in the United team at the Stadio Olimpico, but the rest of the cast is frighteningly good: Ronaldo, Messi, Rooney, Eto’o, Berbatov, Henry, Iniesta, Giggs and those are just a few of the attackers in the mix.
Passports at the ready, it’s the Hollywood final the fans wanted - and no doubt the one the sponsors wanted. Now all we have to do is go and win it!
The views expressed in this blog are personal to the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Manchester United FC.
Andreas Iniesta has had a stunning season at the Nou Camp and his winning goal wasn’t bad was it? Former United defender Gerard Pique also had a hand in knocking out the Blues, quite literally, seeming to palm away Nicolas Anelka’s through ball. That was just one of the decisions to send Messers Ballack, Drogba and Terry over the edge.
It's no surprise that in today’s media coverage, the word ‘respect’ has been rearing its innocent head after last night's heated scenes in London. Chelsea’s stars will no doubt end up in hot water for their reactions at the final whistle, their reaction contrasting heavily with the way Darren Fletcher dealt with his own personal disappointment at missing out on the final.
Chelsea should have had a penalty or two, but in our game, Arsenal shouldn’t have. Fletch, just like Drogba et al, had his dream of playing in a final cruelly snatched away from him. But did he rant, rave or chase the referee? No, he was graceful even in the most unjust situation. The final between two of football’s aristocratic teams will be played without one of the game’s true gentlemen.
Before the heated exchanges got underway at Chelsea, United’s Academy side ended their season on a high, prospering 3-2 over Blackburn. The Under-18s side had a more U16s look to it with many of next season’s new kids on the block getting a chance to impress before the summer break. Nicky Ajose scored a blockbuster winner after sumptuous approach play by Ravel Morrison.
As I cover the games for MUTV, I'd like to say well done to the lads for an entertaining season and two more trophies in the cabinet (The Milk Cup and the prestigious but awkwardly-titled Torneo Calcio Memorial Claudio Sassi-Sassuolo). The young Reds go to Switzerland in a fortnight for the youth team equivalent of the Champions League – The Blue Stars Tournament – and look out for our coverage of all the best bits of their games there.
The long term future looks very good for United with fresh-faced, skilful youngsters aplenty, but the short-term is dominated by thoughts of a third Premier League title on the bounce and a trip to Rome. Sadly, our Scottish terrier Fletch won’t be in the United team at the Stadio Olimpico, but the rest of the cast is frighteningly good: Ronaldo, Messi, Rooney, Eto’o, Berbatov, Henry, Iniesta, Giggs and those are just a few of the attackers in the mix.
Passports at the ready, it’s the Hollywood final the fans wanted - and no doubt the one the sponsors wanted. Now all we have to do is go and win it!
The views expressed in this blog are personal to the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Manchester United FC.
Ronny's rockets
After Cristiano Ronaldo's exceptional goal at the Emirates Stadium, we recall five other classic free-kicks from United's number seven:
1. Fulham (H) 04/02/2006
Antti Niemi had absolutely no chance as Ronny's free-kick swerved viciously.
2. Portsmouth (H) 04/11/2006
Pompey - and David James - seem to have been on the wrong end of some scorchers from the Portuguese winger.
3. Sunderland (A) 26/12/2007
Ronny's strike at the Stadium of Light was a Christmas cracker, with Craig Gordon left absolutely helpless by a bullet free-kick into the top corner.
4. Portsmouth (H) 31/01/2008
Voted United's Goal of the Season 2007/08; James again could only stand and admire it.
5. Blackburn (H) 21/02/2009
The Reds were in need of some inspiration against a spirited Rovers side. Enter Ronaldo who lashed the ball across Paul Robinson and into the far corner.
1. Fulham (H) 04/02/2006
Antti Niemi had absolutely no chance as Ronny's free-kick swerved viciously.
2. Portsmouth (H) 04/11/2006
Pompey - and David James - seem to have been on the wrong end of some scorchers from the Portuguese winger.
3. Sunderland (A) 26/12/2007
Ronny's strike at the Stadium of Light was a Christmas cracker, with Craig Gordon left absolutely helpless by a bullet free-kick into the top corner.
4. Portsmouth (H) 31/01/2008
Voted United's Goal of the Season 2007/08; James again could only stand and admire it.
5. Blackburn (H) 21/02/2009
The Reds were in need of some inspiration against a spirited Rovers side. Enter Ronaldo who lashed the ball across Paul Robinson and into the far corner.
City
THE BOOKIE
Betfred's Fred Done
Utd -1 goal (10/11)
United were fantastic against Arsenal. Even 50 per cent of that performance would equal an easy win against City.
THE STAT MAN
United Review's Nick Coppack
Ronaldo first scorer (7/2)
The last time United played City after a Champions League semi-final second leg Ronaldo scored the only goal of the game. Same again, please!
THE RED LEGEND
Lou Macari
Utd 1-0 (6/1)
You never know what's going to happen in a derby. I don't think this will be the easy win some are predicting.
THE JOURNO
Steve Bartram
Anderson last goal (16/1)
With only four games left I need to go for long odds. Anderson's got to score at some point! Why not today?
THE TIPSTER
Mark Sullivan
Draw HT, Utd FT (10/3)
City will be right up for this game and could make life difficult for the Reds. But United's class will shine through.
Betfred's Fred Done
Utd -1 goal (10/11)
United were fantastic against Arsenal. Even 50 per cent of that performance would equal an easy win against City.
THE STAT MAN
United Review's Nick Coppack
Ronaldo first scorer (7/2)
The last time United played City after a Champions League semi-final second leg Ronaldo scored the only goal of the game. Same again, please!
THE RED LEGEND
Lou Macari
Utd 1-0 (6/1)
You never know what's going to happen in a derby. I don't think this will be the easy win some are predicting.
THE JOURNO
Steve Bartram
Anderson last goal (16/1)
With only four games left I need to go for long odds. Anderson's got to score at some point! Why not today?
THE TIPSTER
Mark Sullivan
Draw HT, Utd FT (10/3)
City will be right up for this game and could make life difficult for the Reds. But United's class will shine through.
Match sponsor
Before kick-off, all the action is in the North Stand car park where you'll find loads of giveaways, cheerleaders, a Formula 3 racing car, the awesome Bowler Nemesis rally raid car (reflecting Kumho’s involvement in motorsport) - there’s even a replica of the player’s tunnel, complete with cut-out players, for you to take pictures in! Also, you could...
Win tickets to United's "big four" home games
The prize guarantees your seats next season at the Chelsea, Liverpool, Arsenal and City matches. To enter, just ask one of the Kumho promotional girls to fill in a form for you.
Win a dream day at Carrington watching United train
Kumho will be setting up ‘speed cages’ that measure the speed of a football and challenging parents and their children to literally give it their best shot – the winners being the fastest pairing on the day. The prize is a dream come true for any fan - a full day with United, with breakfast in the Red Café followed by a trip to Carrington to watch the team train, Q&A with some of the players and finally a stadium tour and Megastore visit.
There'll also be fun at half-time in the City match when the winner of the "big four" match tickets will be drawn, Kumho's penalty shoot-out with a difference takes place - United vs City inflatables - and the fantastic cheerleaders take to the field. Don't miss it!
Win tickets to United's "big four" home games
The prize guarantees your seats next season at the Chelsea, Liverpool, Arsenal and City matches. To enter, just ask one of the Kumho promotional girls to fill in a form for you.
Win a dream day at Carrington watching United train
Kumho will be setting up ‘speed cages’ that measure the speed of a football and challenging parents and their children to literally give it their best shot – the winners being the fastest pairing on the day. The prize is a dream come true for any fan - a full day with United, with breakfast in the Red Café followed by a trip to Carrington to watch the team train, Q&A with some of the players and finally a stadium tour and Megastore visit.
There'll also be fun at half-time in the City match when the winner of the "big four" match tickets will be drawn, Kumho's penalty shoot-out with a difference takes place - United vs City inflatables - and the fantastic cheerleaders take to the field. Don't miss it!
Michael Carrick
The Reds need seven points from four league games to secure the crown. Having brushed aside Arsene Wenger's men to secure a Champions League final spot in Rome, Carrick says the squad are now fully focused on the title.
"We're well aware there's a bit of league business to sort out before we go to Rome and we've got some big games coming up," he said. "When the big games come round you want to perform to your best, this is the time when it counts in terms of trophies. Hopefully we play like we did against Arsenal."
May could be an historic month, with a third consecutive Barclays Premier League title - and 18th title overall - is within grasp, while Sir Alex's men remain on course to become the first club to defend the Champions League.
"What we achieved last season will give us a lot of confidence ahead of this year's finale," he declared. "Winning the Champions League was incredible and to repeat it would be amazing. Doing that means we'd create history which is something this club does well. Hopefully we can be part of that."
"We're well aware there's a bit of league business to sort out before we go to Rome and we've got some big games coming up," he said. "When the big games come round you want to perform to your best, this is the time when it counts in terms of trophies. Hopefully we play like we did against Arsenal."
May could be an historic month, with a third consecutive Barclays Premier League title - and 18th title overall - is within grasp, while Sir Alex's men remain on course to become the first club to defend the Champions League.
"What we achieved last season will give us a lot of confidence ahead of this year's finale," he declared. "Winning the Champions League was incredible and to repeat it would be amazing. Doing that means we'd create history which is something this club does well. Hopefully we can be part of that."
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
