An Empire will rise, an Empire will fall

In Rome on May 27, two football empires will collide. This season Manchester United and Barcelona won their league, both are playing for a third major trophy. And both have a rich history in Europe’s premier club competition.

Barcelona are the only team to play in every year of European competition since they started in 1955. At 11, they have the most consecutive wins in the competition. And this year they’re on for a treble of La Liga, Copa Del Rey and Europe’s greatest prize. All in Pep Guardiola’s first season as manager.

Manchester United have played in every year of European competition since 1994. In 1999 they won a treble, claiming the Premier League, FA Cup and Europe’s greatest prize. And this year they’re on to become the first team to successfully defend their European crown. All increasing the strain on Sir Alex Ferguson’s already heaving trophy cabinet.

So who will take glory in Rome?