Champions League final

Stadio Olimpico in Rome prepares for an influx of fans [GALLO/GETTY]

But first the pre-game opening ceremony [GALLO/GETTY]

The usual smattering of royalty - Britain's Prince William speaks to Uefa president Michel Platini and King Juan Carlos of Spain [GALLO/GETTY]

The apprentice meets the master - Barca's Josep Guardiola and Sir Alex Ferguson [GALLO/GETTY]

Manchester United pose for a quick snap [GALLO/GETTY]

And not to be outdone, so do Barca [GALLO/GETTY]

Barca have a nervy start, but in the tenth minute Samuel Eto'o slots home the first goal [GALLO/GETTY]

It's a huge blow for United as Barca take the lead [GALLO/GETTY]

United's Ji-Sung Park becomes the first Asian player to play in the Champions League final [GALLO/GETTY]

Ronaldo loses his cool with the ref as Barca gradually take control of the match [GALLO/GETTY]

Then in the 70th minute, Lionel Messi heads one past Edwin van der Sar and the game seems in the bag [GALLO/GETTY]

It's his first goal against an English team [GALLO/GETTY]

And then it's all over - goalkeeper Victor Valdes and Thierry Henry run on to the pitch to celebrate [GALLO/GETTY]

Lionel Messi and Andres Iniesta lift the European Champions League trophy after beating Man Utd in the final in Rome on May 27 [GALLO/GETTY]

Coach Pep Guardiola gets a boost from his team [GALLO/GETTY]

Sir Alex Ferguson postpones his retirement for another year [GALLO/GETTY]

And Ronaldo's future at United seems uncertain [GALLO/GETTY]