There's been terrific hysteria in the build-up to this match, as Manchester United and Chelsea battle it out at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow to decide the UEFA Champions League final. Moscow Meltdown, Wonder Wednesday, the Game of Games... call it what you will, it could be a corker.
After retaining their Premiership crown, Manchester United will now be looking to win this competition for the third time in their history. United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has often lamented his side's inability to covert their near dominance of English football over the last 15 years to the European stage. Victory in this final would give Ferguson his second European Cup win during his tenure in charge, his first coming in the famous 1999 treble-winning season. The game will also be a huge test for United's golden boy Cristiano Ronaldo (pictured), who despite enjoying a phenomenal season, still has questions marks levelled against him when it comes to the big games.
Chelsea's progression to the final has added significance for Roman Abramovich, the club's billionaire Russian owner. His dream of seeing his side play in Europe's showpiece final in Moscow has now been fulfilled. After parting company with fan favourite Jose Mourinho earlier in the season, Abramovich will be hoping that under-pressure manager Avram Grant will be able to deliver the biggest prize in European club football for the first time in the club's history.
Presented by Steve Rider, the match commentary is by Clive Tyldesley and David Pleat, there's studio analysis from Andy Townsend and former Man Utd and Chelsea striker Mark Hughes, and pitchside reports from Gabriel Clarke and Ned Boulting.
Add a comment