Emmanuel Petit: Barcelona will beat Manchester United and win Champions League on penalties

2002 WC: Emmanuel Petit, France (Getty Images)

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Ex-Barcelona midfielder Emmanuel Petit believes his former club will be in for a tougher task than in the 2009 Champions League final against Manchester United when the two sides meet again tonight, but has still backed the Spanish side to triumph.

The Frenchman believes that the game could well go into extra-time, in which he has predicted the Catalan club will triumph, telling L’Equipe: “I predict a draw after regulation time and a Barcelona victory before the penalty shoot-out.”

The former Arsenal and Chelsea player faced the Red Devils on numerous occasions in his playing career, and is full of respect for Sir Alex Ferguson’s team.

“Today, if anyone can beat Barca reasonably, it is Manchester United,” he added.

“By their physical quality, intelligent tactics but also in their ability to draw the opponent in and to project forward quickly. At Wembley, in the den of English football, the Red Devils want to excel.”

In order for the English side to win, the World Cup winner believes they must press the ball and deny the Blaugrana space and possession.

“To win, Manchester must win the battle of the ball,” he said.

“If they play like two years ago, where they watched the Catalans like a bull in an arena, they have no chance. If you want to beat Barca, you must beat them at their own game; by keeping the ball and imposing yourself.”

Petit played at the Camp Nou in the 2000-01 season, making 23 appearances and scoring one goal.