The Return Of The Rejected Dutch Maestros

By Dominic Vieira, writing from Portugal

Robben and Sneijder Return to The Bernabéu

This time last year Arjen Robben and Wesley Sneijder wore the white shirts of Real Madrid. The Dutch pair were team mates for two seasons with Los Merengues before being forced to leave last summer. Their departures helped the club fund large transfers for Ronaldo, Benzema and Kaká, all of whom will watch the final from their TV screens. Robben departed to Germany to play for Bayern Munich and Sneijder joined José Mourinho at Inter Milan. One year later, both players have established themselves as key driving forces of their respective clubs and will now encounter at the legendary Santiago Bernabéu Stadium.

It is one of the biggest ironies of the 2009/10 Champions League, two Real Madrid ‘rejects’ are playing in the final which Real Madrid dreamt to play in. Does Florentino Pérez have any regrets now?

Bayern’s Leading Man

Arjen Robben has been Bayern’s leading star troughtout the Champions League and stolen the limelight from team mate Frank Ribéry. The Franch winger will miss the final through suspension, this means Robben will have to play at the top of his game and the team will be depending on him to create opportunuities and score goals. Javier Zanetti is going to endure several challenging one vs one situations against the Flying Dutchman. Speed & Flair vs Strength & Experience.

Robben has played 9 matches in the tournament and scored 4 goals. His two memorable ones were the killer volley against Manchester United and the individual run against Fiorentina. Both of these goals allowed FCB to qualify to the next round. My personal favourite is his goal scored at Artemio Franchi, Florence.

Inter’s Brain 

Sneijder has flourished under José Mourinho, where he has established himself as an elegant and classy play-maker. He plays a pivotal role in the side and is the fundamental link between the midfield and offensive sector. Rumours state that the Dutch maestro might not feature tomorrow night, but Inter have scrapped them. Bayern’s midfield will have a headache covering Sneijder and must not give him space, if he’s badly marked he could potentially set up Eto'o and Milito as he usually does. 

Wesley Sneijder also completed 9 games throughout Inter’s campaign, recording 5 assists and 3 goals. He is a world class free kick taker and scored one against CSKA Moscow in the quarter final, his best goal in the tournament.

One Winner

Unfortunately both players can’t lift Europe’s most desired trophy, however it will still be a huge honour for both of them as they will be performing in their first European final.

Arjen Robben spoke to UEFA.com and told them: “A dream came true for both of us. Neither of us has played in a Champions League final, and it also has to do with the way we left Madrid of course. But in the end it’s all about football and all about winning. For us, it’s more that we both want to win this title.”

Who’s dream will come true: Arjen Robben’s or Wesley Sneijder’s?