The Champions League final between Manchester United and Barcelona is now just days away, and fans are eagerly anticipating a great final between the two, but most fans are still divided as to just who they think will come out on top.
People look to the '09 final as to just how United were brushed aside and assume the same will happen again, but there has been much more games between the two clubs than that one, and ones which have had huge significance as well.
There’s quite a history to this fixture which has never let us down in terms of entertainment, so I’ve decided to look back at all the competitive fixtures between the two and see just who has come out on top the most.
In 1983, United and Barca had relatively the same season; United finished third whilst Barca managed fourth, and they both won their domestic cups, The FA Cup and the Copa Del Rey, respectively. So consequently, they both entered the now extinct Cup Winners Cup in the new 1983-84 season.
They both flew through the stages of the competition before being drawn against each other at the quarterfinal stage; Barcelona were being led by arguably the greatest player of the time in Maradona, and United had a young Welshman in Mark Hughes (Who would join Barcelona just two years later)
Barcelona was ultimately the favourites to go through, not many would argue against their star-studded side whilst United would rely on their "Captain Marvel" Bryan Robson to be their inspiration to drive United on from midfield.
07/03/84 Manchester United 2 Barcelona 0
The first leg was at the Nou Camp, and it followed the script. Barcelona were clearly superior on the night but did not overwhelm United that much, winning 2-0 courtesy of Graeme Hogg's own goal and Rojo's brilliant strike from distance. United still had a chance in the nest leg, but Barcelona looked good enough on this night to be able to hold on.
21/03/84 Manchester United 3 Barcelona 0
It was Maradonas first game in England. Fans flocked to Old Trafford to see the superstars in action and cling to a thread of hope that United could overturn the deficit.
It was a night older United fans would never forget. Inspired by Bryan Robsons brilliance, Manchester United went on to crush the Spanish giants 3-0 and shock everyone by going through to the semi finals.
Robson's first-half diving header gave the Englishmen the breakthrough they needed desperately. Robson got the all-important second early in the second half and with the momentum clearly with them, United completed a stunning turnaround as Frank Stapleton blasted home the winner.
History repeating itself again and again
On 15/05/ 91, Barcelona 1 Manchester United 2
19/10/94. Manchester United 2 Barcelona 2
02/11/94. Barcelona 4. United 0
16/09/98 Manchester United 3 Barcelona 3
25/11/98 Barcelona 3 United 3
23/04/08. Barcelona 0 United 0
29/04/08 Manchester United 1 Barcelona 0
27/05/09. Manchester United 0 Barcelona 2
So there we have it, a host of truly amazing matches which are tied three a piece, just like each of their European cup records. I’m sure we're all in for another quality match this Saturday where fans of each club will be put through all the usual heartstopping moments, and neutrals will be able to enjoy another classic between the two.
I’ve heard a lot of people say United don’t stand a chance, but it really depends on which United turn up. They can beat anyone on our day, but again, they’ve had some very bad days this season, which why some people are surprised they’ve even made it to the final.
Either way one of these teams will be Champions of Europe for the fourth time on Saturday, but who will it be?
