Barcelona Vs Manchester United
April 23rd 2008 09:42
Ronaldo will be a constant menace in attack for United
The second semi-final of the Champions league promises to be an absolute beauty of a contest.
It is unfortuante that these two powerhouse teams will not play out the final in Moscow. Both sides have champions capable of tearing any opposition apart.
In recent history and form, the ledger is squarly on United's shoulders to come away with the points in what should be an attacking spectacle of football not worth missing.
But never underestimate Barcelona's record at the Nou Camp. Despite being in average form in La Liga, They,along with United, have produced impecable home records on their road to the Champions league semi-final.
That record says alot about Barca's ability to produce when it really counts. This match will be no different.
Lionel Messi has already stated that rivals Real Madrid have a vice-like grip on the Spanish Primera Liga. This is Barcelona's last available piece for glory.
The Catalan giants will be desperate to perform infront of their passionate fans and bring home the last and most important piece of silverware this season.
All this motivation should alone strike some element of doubt in United's ranks.
Although they have been the form team in Europe, Their performances away from home suggest an element of vulnerability.
The first leg against French giants Lyon in the round of sixteen really brought United back to earth. Only Tevez's extra time finish granted them the upper hand at Old Trafford.
In saying this, United rectified that performance with a polished display at Roma which will do wonders for their attitude and belief.
They played calm and only attacked when necessary. They finished off their opponents with great skill in attack and persistant verve in defence.
However Barcelona will represent United's greatest challenge.
At Home, the Catalan giants can be lethal and if they can get an early goal, Barca will fancy their chances.
But with Ronaldinho and Deco out of form, it is undeniably up to Argentine sensation Lionel Messi to guide them home.
His match-up against United superstar Christiano Ronaldo will be a clash that is worth the price of the Mona Lisa alone.
It is likely that whatever these two do on the field, their performances on the night will almost certaintly decide this contest between two of world football's most Illustrious clubs.
Ronaldo has the edge so far with his midfield in Hargreaves,Anderson and Scholes all playing terrific football.
With Carlos Tevez on the bench, Ferguson's men also have the X factor when it counts late in the game. He could be a real match winner in this one.
Messi however has been the only shining light in what has been a below par season for Barcelona. The argentine international has only just come back from injury and will really need the likes of Deco, Bojan and Eto to perform in order to let "the Flea" perform his box of tricks.
Overall this match looks to be headed in two directions. If Barcelona score first, they will feel that they can apply their attacking brand of football that will eventually unsettle United at the back.
If United score first, things could get very ugly for Rijkaard's men. They do not have a good record coming from behind and even if they force a draw, United will claim first up honours on the night.
In all reality Barcelona need to step up big time to upset their more fancied english rivals. However Barca have responded in big matches and with Messi back in their line-up, I feel that this could go the Catalan's way.
But they will need to score a minimum of two goals at home if they are fair dinkum of ousting United over the two legs.
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