FC Barcelona v Arsenal FC
Stade de France, Paris
Wednesday, 17 May 2006 - 19:45 BST
UEFA Champions League Final
On Wednesday evening, when FC Barcelona and Arsenal FC meet in this 50th UEFA Champions League final at the Stade de France, it will be a match between two teams which represent most of the best qualities of the worldwide football.
The match will be a challenge between two opposite strengths; the tournament's best attack against the most formidable defense, with Barcelona having scored 22 times over the previous 12 games whilst Arsenal keeping the lowest record of 'Against' goals, having been breached just twice in all. Barcelona defense however is not far having only 4 goals against.
Barça have reason for caution, however. The last time they were involved in a UEFA Champions League final that was a classic-in-the-making, against AC Milan in 1994, they lost 4-0 – and they have lifted the trophy only once in their illustrious history, in 1992, beating Sampdoria of Italy, at Wembley. Frank Rijkaard, the Barcelona coach who, in case of victory, will become only the fifth man to claim the prize as player and coach, is in relaxed mood, though, and says: "We're just happy to be here, history doesn't weigh heavily on us right now. All we can do is work hard to achieve good results and try to make the fans proud of us. No more, no less. Arsenal are a good team with great players and it's interesting to have two worthy opponents in the final."
Barcelona will have Lionel Messi back after the fitness test carried out today. The younArgentineanan has been out two months out with a thigh injury picked up in the second leg of the first knockout round victory against Chelsea FC. Rijkaard refutes the idea that knocking out a side that finished the English Premiership season 24 points above Arsenal gives Barça an edge. "A final is a unique occasion. Arsenal are a high-level team with lots of quality and I don't believe in psychological advantages. That's dangerous. Let's just show how we can play." The Dutchman also offers a glimpse into the philosophy that makes his team so popular, explaining: "Football is a serious game but the term 'game' means you should also try to enjoy it. There should be joy on the pitch. If you take it too seriously, it becomes a job. Team spirit, tactics and public perception are all important but you must find a balance between enjoyment and work."
On the other side Arsene Wenger, the Arsenal manager would seem to share that approach, although a switch to 4-5-1 in this UEFA Champions League campaign is evidence of the Arsenal manager's more pragmatic side, something he is keenemphasizesise. "Of course it would be fantastic if it was a classic but we are a little bit selfish and we want to win," admitted the Frenchman, who believes his charges have drawn strength from their defensive excellence. "In a final, it's very important you can rely on a strdefenseence. It gives you the belief to exploit every opportunity you get."
With a new trophy on offer to the winners following Liverpool FC's fifth victory in Istanbul last May, Wenger says being crowned kings of Europe would be the perfect way to confirm his young side's remarkable development over the last few months. "The belief in our team was diminished at the start of the season and we had to rebuild our confidence, but I always had belief in the team. That has been lonely at times but we have humility, hunger, strength, togetherness and of course talent. We have peaked at the right moment and want to finish the job."
The two finalists will enjoy significant financial prizes from their successful runs to the Paris showpiece. If they win at the Stade de France, Arsenal are guaranteed revenue of around 37.3m Euros ; if they finish as runners-up, they will pick up approximately 34.7m Euros . Success for Barcelona means approximately 31.5mEuros in total revenue.
If the Spanish club will lose, their income will amount to close to 28.9m Euros . Included in the total for participating in the final, the UEFA Champions League winners will collect approximately 6.4m Euros, with the runners-up receiving approximately 3.8m Euros.
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