MOSCOW (AFP) - The European Champions' League finalists English Premiership sides Chelsea and Manchester United both arrived to the Russian capital on Monday.

Chelsea, who landed at Moscow's Vnukovo airport an hour later than their rivals, went straight to their hotel without revealing which one to avoid contact with the fans and the press.

Meanwhile, Manchester were still waiting to complete passport and customs' formalities in Domodedovo airport special terminal before checking into their hotel in the centre of Moscow.

The two English Premiership sides face off in the final on Wednesday.

Earlier on Monday the first charter flight carrying Manchester United fans also landed at Moscow's Domodedovo international airport.

For security reasons, Chelsea fans will arrive at a different Moscow airport - Sheremetyevo, police said. About 40,000 English fans are expected in the Russian capital for Wednesday's match.