Football: Barcelona v Arsenal
17.05.2006 09:37 Category one - Source: BBC News
All the latest news and comments in the build-up to the Champions League final between Barcelona and Arsenal.
Paris is alive with anticipation ahead of the clash between Barcelona and Arsenal - the most eagerly awaited Champions League final for years. Fans of both sides are partying in the shadow of the city's famous landmarks, with kick-off now just hours away. Arsenal will opt for Robert Pires instead of Jose Antonio Reyes, says BBC Radio Five Live's Jonathan Legard. And England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson has backed a five-man Gunners midfield to cause Barca "a lot of problems". UPDATES FROM FANS AND OUR REPORTERS 1425 BST: Kristen, Paris, via email:
Sitting at work in Paris, I can hear both sides chanting and shouting outside. There are literally thousands of supporters walking the streets of Paris and definitely a certain electricity in the air. 1410 BST: John Sinnott, BBC Sport in Paris
Just arrived at the Stade de France - stadium looks like a giant spaceship that has just landed in northern Paris. Hundreds of Arsenal and Barca fans milling around and the approaches to the stadium from the railway station, which is 500 metres from the ground. 1300 BST: David, Paris
I can assure you that there are thousands of Arsenal fans by Gare du Nord singing very loudly - does not help me concentrate on work but it's a great atmosphere. 1245 BST: John Sinnott, BBC Sport in Paris:
I'm beneath the Eiffel Tower where hundreds of Barcelona fans outnumber Arsenal supporters by 50-1. They are chanting Barca! Barca! to the cacophonic sound of car horns. 1230 BST: Jack Davy, Paris, via email:
Just seen the Arsenal team go for a stroll around the hotel they're staying in and they look very focused. 1220 BST: Naveen, Paris, via-email:
I flew in this morning from England in the hope of getting a ticket but still haven't got one as crazy money is being asked. But I'm loving the atmosphere and weather. 1205 BST: Tony, Paris, via e-mail:
The atmosphere is amazing! Just walked past the hotel Arsenal is staying at, Henry is looking out of this balcony. He just waved. 1155 BST: Pete , Paris, via our reporter:
The atmosphere is unbelievable, but at the moment we're outnumbered by about 50-1. On Tuesday the Champs Elysees was filled with Arsenal supporters, so I'm presuming they are all nursing hangovers. 1135 BST: Paul, Paris, via-email:
The atmosphere here is amazing - both sets of fans get on very well. I think this could be a classic. Wenger has to go for the throat and punish them, if he allows Barca to attack us it could be fatal. 1115 BST: Liam, Paris, via-email:
I'm here to cheer on Arsenal and have just played football in front of the Eiffel Tower against some Barca fans. Amazing, and we beat them. A sign maybe? 1100 BST: Dominic Chadwick, Paris, via-email:
I live in Paris and went in search of the Arsenal contingent last night. There were thousands of them and I only found a handful of people who actually had tickets to the game. 1045 BST: John Sinnott, BBC Sport in Paris
Tickets are fetching up to £2,000 as fans try to get their hands on the few that may be available. 1010 BST: James, England, via-email:
I've been up since 4am! It's like Christmas! I should be studying for an exam tomorrow but who cares! 1000 BST: Russell Fothergill, Paris, via-email:
Lots of Barca fans singing and chanting by the Seine and Louvre this morning. It's a beautiful day in Paris and bubbling up for a classic. 0945 BST: Mike Ingham, BBC Radio Five Live
Objectively, looking at the line-ups, you have to say Barcelona will win. If Wenger plays Jose Antonio Reyes, it will indicate he is prepared to take Barcelona on. If he goes with Pires it's not such a great sign because it suggests he's more concerned with containing Barcelona. 0930 BST: John Sinnott, BBC Sport in Paris
've just bumped into some of Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas' family, including his mother, doing some sight-seeing at the Eiffel Tower. They've all got yellow Arsenal shirts on with Fabregas on the back of them. 0900 BST: Andy F, via e-mail
Arsenal fans are gathering en masse at Folkestone to get the Eurotunnel over to Calais. Everyone is buying breakfast and swapping tales of how they got their tickets while others are already doing the rounds to see if anyone has any spares. PREDICTIONS I think Arsenal are going to win 2-0. Can't see Lehmann conceding but I can see Henry and Reyes grabbing the goals for us. William Lochrie, England Barcelona to win 3-1 with Ronaldinho, Eto'o and Larsson scoring. Parierisas Benedet, Paris Arsenal to win 2-1. They go 1-0 down and then Henry hits two in the second half. He runs off at full time and signs a new Arsenal contract and then collects the trophy. Mat Guy, England I am predicting the classic score of 1-0 to the Arsenal.
Jai, England Barca to win 4-0. Arsenal have ridden their luck a bit too long.
Abz, Uk NEWS UPDATES Team news: Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has to choose between centre-backs Philippe Senderos and Sol Campbell and also Ashley Cole and Mathieu Flamini at left-back. Man in the middle:
Terje Hauge
The 40-year-old from Bergen will become the first Norwegian to take charge of a Champions League final. He made it on to Fifa's international list on 1993. But the controversy about the match officials surrounds assistant referee Ole Hermann Borgan being pictured in a Barcelona shirt and, consequently, axed from the final. Weather news: It seems like it is set to be a warm day in Paris following fair start to the day. Newspaper headlines: Most of the papers are following up the story of the linesman who has been axed from running the line at the game after being pictured in a Barcelona shirt. There is also a sense of this being a game Arsenal's date with destiny while the uncertainty over Thierry Henry's future is another source of interest. MANAGERS AND PUNDITS Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger
"I always believed there was something special about this team. They have a combination of humility, hunger, strength, togetherness and talent. "We have worked hard and improved a lot - now we want to finish the job. "When you get to the final you want to take the cup home and I am convinced we are ready for the challenge. We have peaked at the right moment." Barcelona boss Frank Rijkaard
"My players are very excited, motivated and very united. But to think that we are favourites to win would be a grave error. "Everything starts with being humble and we know we have to go for them from the first minute. "All I want is that my players show how they can play, nothing more." Former Arsenal captain Tony Adams
"It's very difficult to call. Both teams are excellent and can open up doors. "It could come down to a set play - Arsenal are better in both boxes. I don't see Arsene Wenger man-marking Ronaldinho - they'll try to keep their formation, keep compact and counter-attack with pace. "Flamini and Senderos have done tremendously well and deserve a shot. Flamini has been phenomenal, but I believe Ashley Cole will play. "But if Senderos is fit, I think Arsene will give him a go - he deserves a shout." Former England manager Graham Taylor
"I think this is going to be 1-0. I would hope Arsenal would play in the manner we know they can. If they play in that style, they're very hard to handle. "But I have a funny feeling both teams are going to look at each other a little and it may not have all the qualities we all want it to have. "There's been a lot of stuff written about the pressure on Arsenal's youngsters, but there's a lot of pressure on Barcelona because they've only won the European Cup once and are expected to win." Arsenal fan and BBC Radio Two presenter Dermot O'Leary
"The way Barcelona play suits us. We struggled against Villerreal, we were a bit too cautious against them. "We are far better off as underdogs - we can go out and play our own game. "I don't think they can boss us, and that's a good thing because Fabregas needs that extra space and time." Arsenal defender Ashley Cole
"Thierry Henry's probably had a lot on his mind and to do what he has done he's been unbelievable. "He's a great captain and he gets everybody up for the game which you want your captain to do. "He's scores goals and sets them up. What more do you want in a player? He's a great person as well." Barcelona striker Henrik Larsson
"Frank Rijkaard is a fantastic coach and wants to be attacking but at the same time we don't want to give too much space away to Arsenal. "It's not a question of being more cautious, it's about concentration. There's always pressure and everybody's used to it." England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson
"I think Arsenal have a good chance. I suppose he (Arsene Wenger) will play Henry up front and five in midfield. If they do that, I think they will cause Barcelona a lot of problems." Name Your E-mail address Country Comments
Sitting at work in Paris, I can hear both sides chanting and shouting outside. There are literally thousands of supporters walking the streets of Paris and definitely a certain electricity in the air. 1410 BST: John Sinnott, BBC Sport in Paris
Just arrived at the Stade de France - stadium looks like a giant spaceship that has just landed in northern Paris. Hundreds of Arsenal and Barca fans milling around and the approaches to the stadium from the railway station, which is 500 metres from the ground. 1300 BST: David, Paris
I can assure you that there are thousands of Arsenal fans by Gare du Nord singing very loudly - does not help me concentrate on work but it's a great atmosphere. 1245 BST: John Sinnott, BBC Sport in Paris:
I'm beneath the Eiffel Tower where hundreds of Barcelona fans outnumber Arsenal supporters by 50-1. They are chanting Barca! Barca! to the cacophonic sound of car horns. 1230 BST: Jack Davy, Paris, via email:
Just seen the Arsenal team go for a stroll around the hotel they're staying in and they look very focused. 1220 BST: Naveen, Paris, via-email:
I flew in this morning from England in the hope of getting a ticket but still haven't got one as crazy money is being asked. But I'm loving the atmosphere and weather. 1205 BST: Tony, Paris, via e-mail:
The atmosphere is amazing! Just walked past the hotel Arsenal is staying at, Henry is looking out of this balcony. He just waved. 1155 BST: Pete , Paris, via our reporter:
The atmosphere is unbelievable, but at the moment we're outnumbered by about 50-1. On Tuesday the Champs Elysees was filled with Arsenal supporters, so I'm presuming they are all nursing hangovers. 1135 BST: Paul, Paris, via-email:
The atmosphere here is amazing - both sets of fans get on very well. I think this could be a classic. Wenger has to go for the throat and punish them, if he allows Barca to attack us it could be fatal. 1115 BST: Liam, Paris, via-email:
I'm here to cheer on Arsenal and have just played football in front of the Eiffel Tower against some Barca fans. Amazing, and we beat them. A sign maybe? 1100 BST: Dominic Chadwick, Paris, via-email:
I live in Paris and went in search of the Arsenal contingent last night. There were thousands of them and I only found a handful of people who actually had tickets to the game. 1045 BST: John Sinnott, BBC Sport in Paris
Tickets are fetching up to £2,000 as fans try to get their hands on the few that may be available. 1010 BST: James, England, via-email:
I've been up since 4am! It's like Christmas! I should be studying for an exam tomorrow but who cares! 1000 BST: Russell Fothergill, Paris, via-email:
Lots of Barca fans singing and chanting by the Seine and Louvre this morning. It's a beautiful day in Paris and bubbling up for a classic. 0945 BST: Mike Ingham, BBC Radio Five Live
Objectively, looking at the line-ups, you have to say Barcelona will win. If Wenger plays Jose Antonio Reyes, it will indicate he is prepared to take Barcelona on. If he goes with Pires it's not such a great sign because it suggests he's more concerned with containing Barcelona. 0930 BST: John Sinnott, BBC Sport in Paris
've just bumped into some of Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas' family, including his mother, doing some sight-seeing at the Eiffel Tower. They've all got yellow Arsenal shirts on with Fabregas on the back of them. 0900 BST: Andy F, via e-mail
Arsenal fans are gathering en masse at Folkestone to get the Eurotunnel over to Calais. Everyone is buying breakfast and swapping tales of how they got their tickets while others are already doing the rounds to see if anyone has any spares. PREDICTIONS I think Arsenal are going to win 2-0. Can't see Lehmann conceding but I can see Henry and Reyes grabbing the goals for us. William Lochrie, England Barcelona to win 3-1 with Ronaldinho, Eto'o and Larsson scoring. Parierisas Benedet, Paris Arsenal to win 2-1. They go 1-0 down and then Henry hits two in the second half. He runs off at full time and signs a new Arsenal contract and then collects the trophy. Mat Guy, England I am predicting the classic score of 1-0 to the Arsenal.
Jai, England Barca to win 4-0. Arsenal have ridden their luck a bit too long.
Abz, Uk NEWS UPDATES Team news: Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has to choose between centre-backs Philippe Senderos and Sol Campbell and also Ashley Cole and Mathieu Flamini at left-back. Man in the middle:
Terje Hauge
The 40-year-old from Bergen will become the first Norwegian to take charge of a Champions League final. He made it on to Fifa's international list on 1993. But the controversy about the match officials surrounds assistant referee Ole Hermann Borgan being pictured in a Barcelona shirt and, consequently, axed from the final. Weather news: It seems like it is set to be a warm day in Paris following fair start to the day. Newspaper headlines: Most of the papers are following up the story of the linesman who has been axed from running the line at the game after being pictured in a Barcelona shirt. There is also a sense of this being a game Arsenal's date with destiny while the uncertainty over Thierry Henry's future is another source of interest. MANAGERS AND PUNDITS
"I always believed there was something special about this team. They have a combination of humility, hunger, strength, togetherness and talent. "We have worked hard and improved a lot - now we want to finish the job. "When you get to the final you want to take the cup home and I am convinced we are ready for the challenge. We have peaked at the right moment."
"My players are very excited, motivated and very united. But to think that we are favourites to win would be a grave error. "Everything starts with being humble and we know we have to go for them from the first minute. "All I want is that my players show how they can play, nothing more."
"It's very difficult to call. Both teams are excellent and can open up doors. "It could come down to a set play - Arsenal are better in both boxes. I don't see Arsene Wenger man-marking Ronaldinho - they'll try to keep their formation, keep compact and counter-attack with pace. "Flamini and Senderos have done tremendously well and deserve a shot. Flamini has been phenomenal, but I believe Ashley Cole will play. "But if Senderos is fit, I think Arsene will give him a go - he deserves a shout."
"I think this is going to be 1-0. I would hope Arsenal would play in the manner we know they can. If they play in that style, they're very hard to handle. "But I have a funny feeling both teams are going to look at each other a little and it may not have all the qualities we all want it to have. "There's been a lot of stuff written about the pressure on Arsenal's youngsters, but there's a lot of pressure on Barcelona because they've only won the European Cup once and are expected to win."
"The way Barcelona play suits us. We struggled against Villerreal, we were a bit too cautious against them. "We are far better off as underdogs - we can go out and play our own game. "I don't think they can boss us, and that's a good thing because Fabregas needs that extra space and time."
"Thierry Henry's probably had a lot on his mind and to do what he has done he's been unbelievable. "He's a great captain and he gets everybody up for the game which you want your captain to do. "He's scores goals and sets them up. What more do you want in a player? He's a great person as well."
"Frank Rijkaard is a fantastic coach and wants to be attacking but at the same time we don't want to give too much space away to Arsenal. "It's not a question of being more cautious, it's about concentration. There's always pressure and everybody's used to it."
"I think Arsenal have a good chance. I suppose he (Arsene Wenger) will play Henry up front and five in midfield. If they do that, I think they will cause Barcelona a lot of problems." Name Your E-mail address Country Comments
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