Barcelona take on United

2008-04-23 07:39

Barcelona - Manchester United return to the scene of one of their most memorable European triumphs when they take on Barcelona at the Nou Camp in a mouth-watering Champions League semi-final on Wednesday.

United clinched their second European Cup with their dramatic last-gasp 2-1 victory over Bayern Munich at the Barcelona stadium almost 10 years ago and they are aiming to lay the foundations for a third final appearance with a winning performance against the Catalans.

Barcelona-Manchester United clashes tend to be goal-laden affairs with 28 scored in seven previous games and the last two matches ending in entertaining 3-3 draws.

Both sides are unbeaten in Europe this season and the game will be even more eagerly anticipated given that it will provide a showcase to compare two of the world's most exciting players in Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.

"If it had been the final it would have been a fantastic stage for big clubs like us," said United manager Alex Ferguson. "I think the winners will stand a great chance in the final."

For Premier League leaders United there is still the prospect of completing a memorable domestic and European double, but for Barcelona Champions League triumph is their only way of salvaging a traumatic season.

Barcelona have not won any of their last three home games against English clubs, losing 2-1 to Liverpool at the Nou Camp last season and drawing twice with Chelsea before that, but United have only won once in 16 away trips to Spain.

"For us it is a dream to be here and we are all really motivated," said Barca coach Frank Rijkaard. "We have respect for our opponents but we are determined to win."

- Reuters