MOSCOW, May 27 (RIA Novosti) - Manchester United will attempt to become the first side to retain the Champions League when they take on free-scoring Barcelona at Rome's Stadio Olimpico on Wednesday evening.
United manager Alex Ferguson is looking to conquer European club football for the third time after wins in Moscow last year and at Barcelona's Nou Camp in 1999.
"It's interesting and unusual that no one has defended the trophy since the Champions League started, because in the history of the European Cup it was done regularly," Ferguson told a UEFA press conference. "We have an opportunity to change that and hopefully we can take it."
Both Manchester and Barcelona have already won two domestic trophies this season, and victory in the Champions League would turn a great season into a truly memorable one.
"It has the capability to be a fantastic final," Ferguson said.
Barcelona have scored 156 goals in all competition this season, with the 'holy trinity" of Lionel Messi, Samuel Eto'o and Thierry Henry scoring 97 of them.
However, Barcelona left it late in the semifinal against Chelsea, a last gasp goal from Andres Iniesta leveling the score on the night and on aggregate at 1-1 and sending the Spaniards through on away goals. That shot was the only one Barcelona had on target all night, and Manchester will be hoping they can nullify their opponents' attacking threat as effectively.
While Ferguson may be one of the most experienced managers in the world, Barcelona coach Josep Guardiola, 29 years younger than the 67-year-old Scot, is looking to end an incredible first season on a high.
"It's been a great season, but it can still finish badly, there's a lot still to do. In football things can change very suddenly. I've been very lucky to have a squad of players who are very good tactically and technically. We want to show how good we are and how hard we've worked by winning tomorrow." Guardiola told UEFA.
The match kicks off at 18:45 GMT. Russian viewers can see the match live on the domestic Sport channel.
