Barcelona v Manchester United
It would be a repeat of the 2009 final between these giants of the game. Both clubs were going for a 4th European Cup / Champions League title and it was a clash between great bosses Pep Guardiola and Sir Alex Ferguson.
The Scot's capability to draw more from his team than the sensible amount of its parts suggests there is much to commemorate this season not least the exceptional and unexpected 19th domestic title, achieved versus the backdrop of an exceptional home record where Ferguson's players dropped only two points.
Old Trafford's impenetrable fortress experienced success over key competitors Chelsea, Manchester City, Arsenal, Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur, verifying United's domestic supremacy. Additionally, the Reds likewise played some of the department's finest football at Old Trafford, hammering Birmingham City and Blackburn, while scoring 49 goals while doing so.
The Match
Pedro gave Barcelona the lead from among the many terrific passes played by Xavi - but Wayne Rooney lifted the gloom throughout a torrid spell for United with a great equaliser following a quick exchange with Ryan Giggs.
Barcelona responded by cranking up what Ferguson labelled their passing "carousel" after the break, with man-of-the match Messi at the centre of occasions as he tortured United.
Messi's wonderful feet were decorated by luminous green boots but it was his skill that lit up Wembley and United's night was effectively over as soon as he restored Barcelona's lead with an effective drive early in the second half.
David Villa's incredible third stressed the gulf in class between the sides and United never threatened to install the sort of remarkable healing that has actually become their trademark.
Ferguson and his players were disconsolate at the final whistle as the nightmare of Rome was revisited but there was no pity in their defeat by among the finest club sides the game has actually seen.
Barcelona lifted the infamous prize for the 4th time and United were delegated question how they can halt what seemed to be an unstoppable force.