UEFA Champions League Final - Manchester United vs Barcelona

After too very different paths to get here, the Final is set for May 27th.

-Analysis-
Definitely took the easier route by having to face Arsenal in the semis. Barcelona on the other hand looked a bit shaky on the offensive end, the definite strength of their team. Messi looked indecisive, Eto was like a ghost out there, and Henry was injured and didn't play. The goal tandum that scored almost 100 goals during the regular season, was unable to penetrate Chelea's defense. Barcelona's weak point is definitely their defensive back line, and with Marquez and Abidal for the next match, it's going to be pretty rought to stop some of Man U's strikers. However one good thing has come out of playing Chelsea, and that is building confidence for Valdez. I have never been a big Victor Valdez fan (he is the goal keeper for Barcelona) but he really stepped it up this past series. He is not great with the corner kicks, and makes some questionable decisions, but his open field stops (especially the double stop he did on Drogba) have been nothing short of spectacular.

The way I look at it, by playing Chelsea in the semis, Barcelona has received substantial preparation for a competitor to the level of Manchester United. The big 3 will have to step up and score some goals, Alvez with have to make some better cross passes into the box, and they will have to continually push the ball up and control the ball so that pressure doesn't get put on their back line.

-The Verdict-
There is a lot of things in favor of Man U, rather it be the key players from Barcelona missing, or the lack of a defensive back line, but when Barcelona has it's back against the wall, they play pretty damn good. (Hell they scored 3 minutes into extra time to win it). But overall, I would say Manchester United has the advantage in this one.