2008 UEFA Champions League Final Preview: Chelsea v Manchester United

After Spain in 2000 and Italy in 2003, it will be England's turn in Moscow on 21 May when Manchester United and Chelsea step out in the Luznhiki Stadium for the first all-English UEFA Champions League final. In the same stadium where, last October, England's national team took a costly stumble along the road to UEFA EURO 2008 – losing to the Russia team who eventually overtook them in the qualifying race – the Premier League's two strongest sides will contest the title of Europe's finest. If it produces as much excitement as Chelsea's 2-1 victory over United last weekend, then a predicted global TV audience of up to 100 million people will be in for a treat.

The Routes To Moscow
Man Utd ease through their group
Manchester United were drawn in Group F along with Sporting Lisbon, Roma and Dynamo Kiev. Cristiano Ronaldo got United off to a flier, scoring the only goal against his former club Sporting in Portugal. Wayne Rooney was on target as United delighted boss Sir Alex Ferguson by beating Roma 1-0 at home. United scored four goals both home and away against Kiev and were the only team with a 100% record as they went into their final game, which they drew 1-1 at Roma to finish top of their group.

Bye, bye Mourinho but Blues march on
Chelsea also topped their group, although their progress was less assured than United. Chelsea opened with a 1-1 draw against unfancied Rosenborg at Stamford Bridge - a match that turned out to be Jose Mourinho's last game in charge. Chelsea then went to Valencia in poor domestic form and with skipper John Terry wearing a mask to protect a facial injury. David Villa put Valencia ahead but the Blues rallied to a crucial 2-1 win.