By Chris Wright
With two days to go until the biggy, we reckon it’s high-time to begin ramping up the Champions League fever so, to that end, here’s a whopping batch of brilliant photos from the last time Manchester United met Barcelona in the final – the Catalans eventually running out 2-0 winners at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome, May 27th 2009…
Samuel Eto’o puts Barca ahead after only 10 minutes…
…then wheels away to celebrate with his teammates
Cheeky…
Victor Valdes celebrates Barca’s opening goal
Lionel Messi takes to the sky to head home Barca’s second goal at the back post – losing his boot in the process if memory serves
Barcelona celebate en masse at the sound of the final whistle
Barcelona celebrate by chucking coach Pep Guardiola into orbit
Man Utd, led by Ryan Giggs and Sir Alex Ferguson, wait to collect their runners-up medals
Cristiano Ronaldo is consoled by Michel Platini and Prince William
A glum Ryan Giggs carries the runner-up plaque from the field
The victorious Barcelona squadron pose with the Champions League trophy
Please feel free to share your memories of the game. Mine are a little hazy due to reasons I can’t quite recall, but I distinctly remember nearly choking to death on a steak-flavoured McCoy’s when L’il Leo rose like a semi-dwarven salmon to meet Xavi’s looping cross at the back stick.
Good times.
Photos: PA