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."