This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/int/news/-/news/uk-england-13582792

The article has changed 11 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 7 Version 8
Champions League final: Thousands fill Wembley Stadium Champions League final: United fans gutted by defeat
(40 minutes later)
Thousands of football fans are watching a dramatic Champions' League final at Wembley stadium. Thousands of football fans watched Barcelona beat Manchester United in a dramatic Champions' League final at Wembley stadium.
Barcelona are currently leading Manchester United 3-1. Barcelona took the lead only for Manchester United to equalise but in the second half the Catalans scored twice more to win the game 3-1.
Earlier, supporters of both teams congregated outside the ground, where a huge police operation was under way to ensure the match passed peacefully. There was a huge police operation but the match appears to have passed off peacefully.
The game is set to be the most-watched fixture between two club sides ever, with up to 300 million people expected to watch it worldwide. Up to 300 million people were expected to watch it worldwide.
The bumper viewer figures are expected partly because the final is being held on a Saturday for only the second time, and also because both clubs have such a huge global following.The bumper viewer figures are expected partly because the final is being held on a Saturday for only the second time, and also because both clubs have such a huge global following.
It is being billed as the biggest sporting event in the UK until the London 2012 Olympics. It was billed as the biggest sporting event in the UK until the London 2012 Olympics.
Fifa president Sepp Blatter is not attending the game because he is preparing for an ethics committee hearing following bribery allegations. Fifa president Sepp Blatter did not attend the game because he is preparing for an ethics committee hearing following bribery allegations.
Blatter has not commented on the proceedings but said: "The facts will speak for themselves."Blatter has not commented on the proceedings but said: "The facts will speak for themselves."
Sir Alex Ferguson decided to start with Javier Hernandez up front, alongside Wayne Rooney.Sir Alex Ferguson decided to start with Javier Hernandez up front, alongside Wayne Rooney.
But surprisingly there was no place, even on the substitutes' bench, for striker Dimitar Berbatov.But surprisingly there was no place, even on the substitutes' bench, for striker Dimitar Berbatov.
Barcelona took the lead on 27 minutes with a goal by Pedro Rodriguez but United equalised soon afterwards through Rooney.Barcelona took the lead on 27 minutes with a goal by Pedro Rodriguez but United equalised soon afterwards through Rooney.
It was level at half time but Lionel Messi put the Catalan side ahead early in the second half.It was level at half time but Lionel Messi put the Catalan side ahead early in the second half.
David Villa made it 3-1 as Barcelona dominated the second half.David Villa made it 3-1 as Barcelona dominated the second half.
Some 1,000 police officers were involved in the operation across London. There was no trouble before kick-off, according to a Metropolitan Police spokesman.Some 1,000 police officers were involved in the operation across London. There was no trouble before kick-off, according to a Metropolitan Police spokesman.
Officers from the Spanish force are on duty in London during the game. Officers from the Spanish force were on duty in London during the game.
"A Catalan speaking officer from the Met will be liaising with the Spanish police during the event and will be on hand to assist with fans if required," a spokesman said. "A Catalan-speaking officer from the Met will be liaising with the Spanish police during the event and will be on hand to assist with fans if required," a spokesman said.
"Police spotters from Greater Manchester Police and Spanish police will be working alongside uniformed Met spotters."Police spotters from Greater Manchester Police and Spanish police will be working alongside uniformed Met spotters.
Pubs closedPubs closed
"If you are subject to a banning order and you attempt to get into the ground you will be arrested." Each club had 25,000 supporters with match tickets, although an estimated 110,000 fans were thought to have travelled to London for the final.
Each club had 25,000 supporters with match tickets, although an estimated 110,000 fans are thought to have travelled to London for the final. Pubs in the area closed an hour before kick-off and no alcohol was permitted inside the stadium.
Pubs in the area closed an hour before kick-off and no alcohol is being permitted inside the stadium. Before the match began, many fans tried to acquire last-minute tickets outside the stadium.
Before the match began, many fans tried to acquire last minute tickets outside the stadium.
Dave, a Manchester United supporter, said: "All the Spanish fans have been great and having a really great time - they are really friendly.Dave, a Manchester United supporter, said: "All the Spanish fans have been great and having a really great time - they are really friendly.
"I would have travelled to the other side of the world just to savour the atmosphere.""I would have travelled to the other side of the world just to savour the atmosphere."
Barcelona supporter Mark said: "It is fantastic to be here. It is a great opportunity for all the people of Barcelona and Manchester.
"I hope it will be a good match.
"We have fantastic players but Manchester United are a very good team - it will be an equal match."
Earlier in the day Barcelona fans gathered in London's Trafalgar Square where Nelson's Column was festooned with flags.Earlier in the day Barcelona fans gathered in London's Trafalgar Square where Nelson's Column was festooned with flags.
'Take care''Take care'
A major policing operation is also taking place in Manchester. A major policing operation also took place in Manchester.
Extra patrols were carried out in the city centre as supporters filled pubs and bars to watch the match.Extra patrols were carried out in the city centre as supporters filled pubs and bars to watch the match.
Supt Chris Sykes, from Greater Manchester Police, said: "Our main aim is to ensure the weekend and bank holiday is a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.Supt Chris Sykes, from Greater Manchester Police, said: "Our main aim is to ensure the weekend and bank holiday is a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.
"There will be a lot of Manchester United fans, and football fans in general, hoping United will be able to overcome Barcelona."There will be a lot of Manchester United fans, and football fans in general, hoping United will be able to overcome Barcelona.
"Obviously emotions can run high, but what I'd say is make sure you take care of yourself when out and about.""Obviously emotions can run high, but what I'd say is make sure you take care of yourself when out and about."