Let the hype begin
The Champions League got its dream final.
Manchester United will face Barcelona at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome on May 27, giving soccer fans a showdown between the top club in the Premier League and La Liga standings.
While United had little trouble defeating Arsenal 4-1 on aggregate Tuesday in the semifinals, Barcelona was minutes away from a Champions League exit at the hands of Chelsea on Wednesday.
The Spanish club would live to see another day thanks to midfielder Andres Iniesta, who scored in the third minute of injury time. His goal gave Barcelona a 1-1 draw and a tie-breaking away goal.
Here are five storylines fans and media will be talking about leading up to the final in Rome:
April 28, 2009
Who wants to go to Rome?
There isn’t a Cinderella team and only two European leagues are represented, but the Champions League semifinals does feature four of the world’s elite clubs. And any time the superclubs get together, you can expect world-class soccer, star power and electric stadium atmospheres.
Representing England’s Premier League are Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United, the defending champions. Barcelona of Spain’s La Liga is the lone non-English club remaining. All four clubs will be vying for a spot in the final, which takes place May 27 in Rome.
Here is a closer look at the sem
