UCL Final Preview - The Fight for Treble Supremacy

Inter Milan and Bayern Munich will battle it out in Madrid, not just to win the Holy Grail of European football but to follow the footsteps of Glasgow Celtics (1967), Ajax Amsterdam (1972) PSV Eindhoven (1988), Manchester United (1999) and FC Barcelona (2009); clubs they have accomplish to win their respective domestic double and the biggest honour in European football (Celtics actually won four in that year).

For us as fan as of Argentina, there are many reasons to watch this year’s edition. And whatever reason it is, I’m sure the final will be as exciting as ever.

PLEASE GIVE RISE TO MICHO

I was never was fan of Bayern but somehow I had a sentimental feeling for them after witnessing the agony they had to go through after losing to Manchester United in 1999. Since then, when it comes to German football, they had a place in my heart.

When a friend of mine mentioned to me (back in 2003) that Bayern Munich has singed Martin DEMICHELIS, my first reaction was; is that a Greek player? I felt deeply embarrassed for not knowing that he is an Argentine first and foremost, as I wasn’t following the domestic league as closely as I should have.

As a center-back, what better place to enhanced your talent if not in Germany (okay maybe Italy)? He proved to be a vital component in Bayern’s defense throughout 2005 -2006 helping the club back to back double. Yet, even that wasn’t enough for him to a place in our National Team for the 2006 World Cup. After learning his fate, he admitted that he didn’t feel like living anymore.

In life, when someone feels like this, it takes a person with a strong mentality and high determination to keep going after his/her personal goals. Luckily Micho is such person as he continued to play an important role for the Bavarian side in the years to come; helping them to achieve more honours, with the ultimate prize (should Bayern win’s it) waits for him this weekend.

For Bayern to win this final, they will turn to Micho for all the help they can get as it will be his duty to stop fellow countrymen Diego MILITO from scoring. He has been caught in several occasions for lapse of concentration but let’s not take away his physical strength plus his ability in the air. There will definitely be an interesting key battle between them.

THE FOUR HORSEMEN OF SAN SIRO

I remember following Inter Milan since the mid-nineties and thinking how dominant this club is going to be. But it never was the case as they were tag the Sleeping Giant for failing to win big silverwares despite investing millions (the Fat RONALDO, Christian VIERI).

All that has changed throughout the last 5 years as it is their turn to smile at the rest of the pack. Already the kings of Italy, the signs are right for them to elevate themselves as the Kings of the continent.

For some reason I’m sure we all know why, Javier ZANETTI and Esteban CAMBIASSO has been the main subject matter in Mundo during these last week. But I wish to put that aside now, as I will still watch them playing with pleasure even if they will be wearing the blue and black jersey instead of……

If there is one player from this Inter side that deserve all the accolades that the club has achieved is recent times, it has to be ZANETTI. In today’s football where players moving from club to club is becoming more a favourite past time, he has proven that being a loyalist is not too bad either. In my opinion, he is truly Mr. Nerazzurri.

As for Esteban CAMBIASSO, what is there left of not to be said about him? I don’t have to remind everyone here about the fact at any one time, the industrialist can both a destroyer and a creator in the middle of the field. It’s a shame that we won’t be seeing Frank RIBERY for Bayern as the Frenchmen is suspended for the final, or else we will be witnessing an interesting battle in the middle of the field between them.

Like Mico, Walter “The Wall” SAMUEL has been the heart around Inter’s stubborn defense throughout their recent successful times. Jose MOURINHO will employ the same kind of strategy that has serve them well in the previous round, therefore SAMUEL will be the key in keeping the tireless Ivica OLIC quite. Not an easy task but surely he has what it takes to get the job done.

There is another important aspect (based on motivation) from this game that I wish to highlight. When I think of CAMBIASSO and SAMUEL, I sometime tend to forget that this weekend will also present them a chance to return to a familiar territory.

I bet deep down those people at Real Madrid must banging their heads for selling Cuchu back in 2004 without realizing the amazing talent that he possess. And it’s high time for SAMUEL to put the record straight with the Madrista crowd after having one poor season with them. I don’t care what does Senor Florentino PEREZ thinks, but I will tell you that those two are Galaticos in their own right.

For the local Madrid fans who will be attending the game, there is a scary treat for them. And no I’m not talking about Freddy KRUGER making a cameo appearance during the game. And for sure it’s got nothing to do with Gabriel HEINZE either.

I’m referring to Diego MILITO (Yes! Seba must be smiling right now), the same guy who put four goals past them while he was with Real Zaragoza. There is no need to argue about MILITO ability to grab the opportunity to score when one turns up and everyone knows he can do it in a variety of ways, despite having Micho around him. If there is one player that the self proclaim Special one will rely on for a potential match winner, MILITO is the man.

IS FOUR BETTER THAN ONE?

One thing I feel it’s great to know that for the third consecutive year, an Albiceleste will lift the “Giant Ear” trophy. The main question here is that “who is it going to be?”

I know that some of you will be cheering for Inter so that ZANETTI being the team’s captain will be the one to lift the trophy. Interesting to know that for some reason even Bayern’s is not short of supporter here.

Looking at both ways, I have no complains at all. After all, from my experience as a writer in this blog, I’ve learned to understand and appreciate the fact that fans of Argentina comes from all walk of life.

The important thing is as a football fan, I do hope for a match that filled with drama and packed with actions. And whoever wins it, I will still be happy for him because no matter what that player is still an Albiceleste.

On behalf of Mundo Albiceleste, best of luck and Vamos to Micho, Pupi, Cuchu, Walter and Diego!!!