After a campaign full of brilliance and artistry, Barcelona enters Saturday's Champions League final (2 p.m., Fox) against Manchester United as the widely regarded favorite. But one factor could tip the balance in United's favor: The world's biggest sporting event is being held in London's Wembley Stadium. And in Champions League matches on British soil, Manchester United can never be considered the underdog.

Lionel Messi of Barcelona Getty Images

Over the last five seasons, United has played 34 Champions League games across England and Scotland, winning 25, drawing seven and losing just two. Most of those were at their home fortress, Old Trafford. But in five domestic away games, United has maintained its excellent standard, winning at Chelsea, Arsenal and Rangers. The slip-ups—a draw and a defeat—both came at Celtic in Glasgow in group-stage matches.

Barcelona, meanwhile, has proven itself thoroughly human on its travels outside of Spain. A closer look at the Catalans' Champions League record over five seasons (34 wins, eight defeats, 17 draws) reveals that the vast majority of their blemishes have come on their foreign adventures, where they have gone 12-5-12.

Trips to England have been particularly problematic for Barcelona. Their last success in England came against Liverpool in 2007. Since then, they have drawn two and lost two, a 1-0 defeat at Old Trafford in 2008 and a 2-1 loss at Arsenal earlier this season.

Barcelona can take heart from the fact that they did beat United, 2-0, on foreign soil in the 2009 Champions League final in Rome. But that was neutral territory. Wembley Stadium, a 200-mile drive from Manchester, certainly won't be.

—Joshua Robinson

London Calling

How Manchester United and Barcelona have fared in Champions League play in Great Britain in the past five seasons.

Barcelona overall 34-8-17
Barcelona outside Spain 12-5-12
Barcelona in England 1-3-2
Barcelona in Great Britain 2-3-3
Manchester United overall 40-7-13
Manchester United in Great Britain 25-2-7
Manchester United away in Great Britain 3-1-1