It's almost here! The match that promises so much. The match every one — particularly the Barcelona and Arsenal fans — have been waiting for.
Arsenal, in their best years in the recent past (a couple of years ago when they were winning domestic titles) were performing very miserably in Europe. It was a very good team but critics said that it could not be termed great until it won the big ones in Europe. This, the performance so far, is probably a couple of years late. It was totally unexpected that Arsenal would reach the Champions League final in the year it almost finished 5th in the English Premiership - something which exemplifies how it has been a crazy ride of emotions for Arsenal fans. The ride isn't over. There is still pondering regarding Henry going to Barcelona (some thing I, as a Barcelona fan am very much over excited about). Regardless of that, the season could be perfect for Arsenal if they do manage to win the Champions League.
There is one problem though - FC Barcelona. Barcelona play their own style of attacking one-touch football which is so difficult to replicate and so wonderful to watch. There is possession. Passing. A lot of brilliance. Add to it a lot of goals — and those are just some of the aspects which make Barcelona the best football team in the world (though Chelsea and English fans might still disagree).
Messi might stage a return if he passes the fitness test. That Barca dominated last season without him and have managed to reach the Champions League final despite him not being there for crucial matches shows how the team relies more on team work and less on individual brilliance - despite brilliant Ronaldinho being ever present.
Article comments
1 - Q Bit
I haven't seen them play very recently but I assume they must be good.
All I can say, last year's final (AC MILAN vs LIVERPOOL) was as good as any soccer match in a long long time.
2 - Pratyush
Barcelona have been absolutely brilliant. The Henry threat exists and both teams play such good football that this match should be a treat to watch. Do watch it if you can dude.
3 - Matthew T. Sussman
Barsenalona?
The game's on live TV in the US, but it's while I'm at work. Would have tuned in for a bit otherwise.
By the way, ESPN had a special report on this nice young man named Ronaldinho. Probably the first time anyone over here heard of him. I remember him from the '02 World Cup.
4 - Pratyush
Ronaldinho has developed a lot from the kid he was back in 2002. He is at genius levels now and the tricks he performs are just mind boggling. Maybe the US will catch up on more football/soccer after more successful campaign this time around - or maybe not.
5 - Christopher Rose
I reckon this match is going to be even more exciting than the FA Cup Final last weekend. Can't wait
It could go either way but I've got an odd feeling that Arsenal, clear underdogs though they are, might just steal it.
6 - RHINO
I think it should be a classic. Henry and Ronaldinho trying to out do each other.
I think Pires will be outstanding in maybe his final game for Arsenal.
Check out my Arsenal fan blog :p
7 - Q Bit
Of course am going to watch it .. technically i will be at work but I suppose I can take a break like i did last year :-)
8 - Christopher Rose
Rhino, as BC Comments Editor and a lifelong United fan, I was highly motivated to delete the link to your Gooner blog but, seeing as it's the best day of your life and I half expect Arsenal to sneak it, I've decided to cut you a break! ;-)
9 - Pratyush
I always find that English club fans unite and leaves local rivalries aside when they play a foreign team. I see some of that in the comment of Mr. Chris.
*runs away*
10 - Christopher Rose
Well, as a born and bred Mancunion Red living in Spain, it's a question of mixed loyalties tonight Pratyush, but I'm doing my best.