The Need for Speed

When you're playing at the very highest level, a split-second can be the difference between European glory and heroic failure. That's why Man. Utd's irrepressible number 7 and Chelsea's top target man will take the field in Moscow on Wednesday night wearing the limited edition Mercurial SL concept boot.

Ten years ago, the original Mercurial Vapor was designed specifically to enhance the superfast skills of Ronaldo - the Brazilian superstar known as The Phenomenon. A decade after the wonder boot was first introduced to the world, its latest and lightest incarnation is gracing the European stage on the feet of two more striking phenomomena - Didier Drogba and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Cristiano has already taken the p-1990 that Didier won last year. Now two of the hottest strikers in Europe are going toe-to-toe once again, as they debut the lightest, fastest, most flexible boot around.

The gloves are off and the boots are on. The Mercurial SL revolution starts tomorrow night, and Europe's biggest club prize awaits.