Ronaldo holds the key as European gladiators prepare for epic battle in Eternal City

Published on Tuesday 26 May 2009 23:06

THE tourists snap away as ever at the Trevi Fountain, pick their way through the ruins of the ancient Forum and pose for the obligatory picture with a centurion outside the Coliseum.

But there is no mistaking the top attraction in town. Manchester United v Barcelona.

A reminder is there, if it were needed, at Fiumicino airport in the shape of a gigantic mural. On one side Cristiano Ronaldo is enveloped by the celebrating arms of Wayne Rooney and, ironically, the suspended Darren Fletcher, after scoring one of his 26 goals in 52 appearances this season.

On the other is Lionel Messi, also smothered by team-mates after netting one of his 37 goals in 50 appearances for Barca.

Superimposed over the images is the headline: 'Rome – A city built by great men.' That is how the 17th Champions League final has been dressed up. Caesar v Pompey, Ronaldo v Messi, United v Barcelona. The two mightiest footballing powers on the planet right now fighting for the greatest club prize. For once the hype is almost justified. United and Barcelona are committed to playing positive, exciting football. Their histories demand it. So do their fans.

It does not guarantee a final brimming with scintillating action. After all these two sides managed just one goal in 180 minutes when they clashed last season while Barcelona, for all their attacking prowess, dispatched just one shot on goal against Chelsea in the semi-final second leg at Stamford Bridge, albeit that fabulous winner from Andres Iniesta.

At the Stadio Olimpico tonight much will depend on whether United's defence can stifle Barcelona's pretty patterns as Chelsea did so effectively for so long. How Patrice Evra copes with Messi will be crucial, even if the man dubbed 'Messidona' by the Spanish press, for the manner in which he scores Maradona-type goals, has not scored against English opposition in ten previous outings.

Michael Carrick must provide protection for United's back four and the energy of Ji-Sung Park and the phenomenal work-rate of Rooney will be key against a side whose endeavour in winning back the ball matches their talent.

Yet you cannot get away from it. The match in which United could make history by becoming the first club to retain the trophy is all likely to hinge on Ronaldo. The replica shirts with his name on the back are the most prominent in the street cafes of the Piazza Navona. His name and his game dominate conversation as much as the safest route to the stadium following recent football violence which has earned Rome the sobriquet of 'Stab City'. For the record, avoid Piazza Flaminio and Ponte Duca D'Aosta, haunts of Roma's 'Ultras' hooligans.

With his big-game head on, as it was against Arsenal in the semi-finals, Ronaldo is all but unplayable. The threats come from everywhere. From wickedly dipping free-kicks, such as the 41-yarder which jolted the Gunners at the Emirates. From his power in the air as demonstrated by his athletic leap and headed goal in last year's final in Moscow. From the constant threat of his quick feet and lightning breakaways.

For the sake of football, as much as United, let's hope he leaves the tantrums, the attitude, the dubious tumbles, along with the other baggage in his Rome hotel room. If he does then the match could be decided right there. In how Ronaldo torments a suspect Barca defence without full-backs Eric Abidal and Dani Alves because of suspension and Rafael Marquez through injury.

Ronaldo's greatness is not in doubt. Great footballers, however, invariably prove their greatness on the grandest stage.

I fully expect Ronaldo to do just that, winning his battle with Messi with vital contributions in a game tighter than the hype suggests, as United record another moment of European triumph in Sir Alex Ferguson's extraordinary empire.