Man. United to defend Champions League against Barcelona

Less than 48 hours away to the 2009 UEFA Champions League final now, and Italian capital Rome is making final preparations.

English Premier League champions Manchester United will take on  Spanish La Liga champions Barcelona on Wednesday at the  Olympic Stadium.

English Premier League champions Manchester United will take on Spanish La Liga champions Barcelona on Wednesday at the Olympic Stadium. The venue will hold 67 thousand fans, with many more thousands expected to flood to Rome, some without tickets.

Rome is putting in place a massive security operation. A strict ticketing system has also been prepared to limit illegal sellers, and there's been a ban on serving alcohol before, during and after the match.

Meanwhile Manchester United arrived in Rome on Monday. The English Premier League outfit are hoping to defend the title they won last year with a victory against Chelsea.