May 28th will see a European Cup final between two teams who have many similar points in their recent history - not least the fact that they have both won 3 European Cups and their Wembley date will allow one of them to draw level with Bayern Munich and Ajax who have both won the trophy 4 times.

1968 and 1992 see first wins at Wembley for United and Barça

Like Barça, Manchester United won their first ever European Cup at Wembley Stadium. It was on May 29th 1968 and Sir Matt Busby saw Bobby Charlton and George Best lead his team to a 4-1 victory against Eusebio’s Benfica. That win was to mark a turning point for the club though, and they were not to challenge for any more titles for another 20 years.

In contrast, Barça’s 1992 win at Wembley marked the start of their most successful era. Koeman’s extra time goal against Sampdoria gave the Club the first of the three European Cups they were to win over the next 17 years. Since then, Barça have also taken nine League titles. That period was also to be Manchester United’s golden age, with Sir Alex Ferguson managing his team to consistent domestic and European success.

1998 and 2005 - Barcelona and Paris

The Camp Nou staged its second ever European Cup final when Ferguson’s team took on Bayern Munich on May 26th 1999. The Germans were ahead until the 89th minute when two late goals from Sheringham and Solskjaer turned the score round and handed United their second European crown. Barça had actually gone out in the group stages to the two finalists that season.

Carles Puyol lifted the Club’s second European Cup in Paris on May 17th 2005 after Frank Rijkaard’s team saw off Arsenal 2-1, coming back from a Campbell opener for the Gunners with goals from Eto’o and Belletti. In contrast, United failed to get beyond the group stage.

Penalty shoot-out in Moscow

Manchester United’s last Champions League win came in Moscow on May 21st 2008 against Chelsea. Cristiano Ronaldo and Lampard had scored to leave the game drawn at 1-1 and United finally won on penalties after John Terry famously slipped in the penalty shoot-out. United had beaten Barça in the semi-finals, but Guardiola’s team were to get revenge the following season.

27 May 2009. Rome welcomes 21st century’s top two teams

Rome’s Olympic Stadium saw the two best teams in the world face up in the 2009 final. Barça dominated throughout and with goals from Eto’o and Messi they lifted their third European Cup in what was to prove their most successful year ever.

Both teams come into the Wembley final in the best moment of their history: since the turn of the century, Barça have won 14 titles and Manchester 17. This May 28th, one of them will add one more trophy to that total.