First time in 13 Years that...

[Freddie Adu]

a team from the Big 4 (Italy, Spain, England, Germany) has not made it to the final.

In fact, its never happened since the Champions League started in 92/93. You have to go back to 90/91 with Red Star beating Marseille.

Granted, France could be considered one of the Big "5", but that makes this entire discussion less interesting. I wonder if this is a sign of parity in Europe to come, or a fluke...

[SportBoy333]

Its luck. Luck of the draw. Who got matched up with who. Also the 2 managers in the final are 2 of the best in Europe. Also the 2 managers dont have to do a lot of tinkering like they have to do at bigger clubs because they arent as deep and you get more continuity that way which causes you to play better together as a unit.

[onefineesq]

who really cares?! LOL the only thing that i'm happy about is that the two teams in the final are teams that attack, and that makes for a much better final than the dreary affair that i watched last year at ESPNZone.

[AFCA]

I hope, no I PRAY!!! that Porto wins.

Who the hell supports Monaco? A rich prince's plaything.

[cosmosRIP]

It is very suprising, as the gap between the big 3 leagues and everyone else has only increased over recent years.
I agree - much credit has to go to 2 great managers.

[Papa Bouba Diop]

I hope, no I PRAY!!! that Porto wins.

Who the hell supports Monaco? A rich prince's plaything.

Do you really feel this way? Monaco is tiny, while the actual population is under 30,000, the actual Monegasques only represent about 1/7 of that population. Plus they play brilliant football.

[SportBoy333]

Who the hell supports Monaco? A rich prince's plaything.

the whole country of France will be supporting them in the final.

[peruytu]

who really cares?! LOL the only thing that i'm happy about is that the two teams in the final are teams that attack, and that makes for a much better final than the dreary affair that i watched last year at ESPNZone.

I agree, this will be a very entertaining Final, nothing compared to the joke of a final last year. Even though Porto is somewhat considered a defensive team, its nothing compared to any ItaZzZzZzZlian.

I'll be watching the Porto Monaco live with all my chop friends.. should be a memorable final!

Peru y tu?

[hertha supporter]

I support Monaco, mainly because of Didier Deschamps, my fav French player. I don't like French soccer or the French NT for that matter, but Monaco is always exciting to watch and todays victory over Chelsea was brilliant.

Plus they have Dado Prso. Who dares mock a man named Dado Prso?

[superdave]

I find it interesting that just 2 years after the WC quarters featured nations from 5 continents (I think the previous high was 3), and SoKo making the semis, that this happens. Maybe just a coincidence.

[SwissGCZ]

the whole country of France will be supporting them in the final.
Hmm...are you completely sure about that? What about all the people who think Monaco's tax situation gives them a competitive advantage in the French league? Are those whiners mostly the managers from other clubs?

[SportBoy333]

yeah its mostly the managers. Also if their tax situation gives them such an huge advantage how come they havent completely dominated the French league in their history. 8 league titles I wouldnt call that domination. If they have such a competitive advantage wouldnt they have won a lot more titles ?

[Papa Bouba Diop]

I don't think anyone in France really hates Monaco besides Marseille supporters, everyone I've spoken to is ecstatic about their performance in Europe. Monaco even got a massive ovation upon entering the pitch at Lens a few days after knocking out Madrid.

[Excape Goat]

If Monaco wins, then they will home field advantage at the SuperCup.

[Papa Bouba Diop]

Not if Marseille wins the UEFA cup.

[SportBoy333]

Thats right I forgot Monaco is hosting the Super Cup. How do they get to host that game every year anyway it seems like a big game why wouldn't UEFA want to have it in a large venue

[Boom]

Who the hell supports Monaco? A rich prince's plaything.
Me, and I guess I'm not a rich prince's plaything.

[Maczebus]

I find it interesting that just 2 years after the WC quarters featured nations from 5 continents (I think the previous high was 3), and SoKo making the semis, that this happens. Maybe just a coincidence.

Yes Dave.
Don't look into it too much. It won't be Levski Sofia versus Maccabi Haifa next year. It'll be another Spanish/Italian thing next time.

[Tony the French]

Not if Marseille wins the UEFA cup.

:DSure, Monaco never play at home against Marseille !!

[Black]

Its luck. Luck of the draw. Who got matched up with who. Also the 2 managers in the final are 2 of the best in Europe. Also the 2 managers dont have to do a lot of tinkering like they have to do at bigger clubs because they arent as deep and you get more continuity that way which causes you to play better together as a unit.

Gee what a bunch of sorry excuses. As soon as Real Madrid, Man Utd, AC Milan and co arent up there, its luck!

And Im baffled as to how a team that have a deeper sqaud are a disadvantage to a manager. Do you think that Porto and Monaco had no injury worries throughout the tornament and didnt have to "tinker" with the team, relying on arguably less deeper sqauds?

This final match-up is great for the tournament, not only that, these are two teams that DESERVE to be in the final, so they should be handed the respect they deserve.