Real Madrid and Barcelona have never played against each other in a Champions League final. The two wealthiest clubs – not only in Spain, but in the world – have dominated European football in different eras, but they never had the possibility to fight it out in a European final.

Real Madrid were at their best when the European Cup started in the 1950s, winning five consecutive trophies, a feat that has never been repeated. They have since had other good moments, and have won the Champions League a total of 9 times, three of which were within the space of five years between 1998 and 2002.

For many years, Barcelona lived in Madrid’s shadows in Europe, although they contended well for supremacy in Spain. But, in recent years, the Catalan club has dominated on the continent, and was crowned European champions three times between 2006 and 2011, to add to their initial victory in 1992.

Uefa officials must have rubbed their hands in glee when the quarter-final draws of this year’s Champions League were made – when it became known that Barcelona and Real Madrid could only meet in the final. The two Spanish giants have already made their first step, as they have made it through to the semis, and now have to overcome the last hurdle to go to Munich for the final. It is a dream game all football lovers will look forward to.

They are both great teams and, as such, deserve to be in the final. But what irks supporters is that it seems that both of them are protected by referees. It happened last Tuesday when Barcelona were, by far, the dominant side in their quarter-final against Milan, but were gifted with a second penalty which paved the way for them to qualify. In similar fashion, they were also protected when they faced Chelsea in a semi-final a few years ago. And the same goes for Real Madrid who, in many instances, were on the right side of controversial refereeing decisions.

These glorious clubs should not need to be favoured in such a way to reach their goal. They are strong enough to do so on their own and, if they are not performing well on the day, they should not be presented with gifts to lift them out of their troubles.