Barcelona captain Carles Puyol claims the pressure is on Manchester United in Wednesday's Champions League final as the Spanish giants have already surpassed expectations this season.

With a new coach in inexperienced Josep Guardiola at the start of the season, Barca have made headlines by claiming the Primera Liga title and the Copa del Rey trophy en route to the top game in Rome.

"We've enjoyed a very good season," Puyol said. "The team has worked very hard and the results we have obtained are proof of that."

He added: "We hope to win and make this season a spectacular one."

Puyol, who returns from suspension tonight to lead Barca on the pitch in his second European final, fully expects United to give them their biggest challenge of the year.

"It's going to be a very complicated game," Puyol said. "We are facing the best team in the world.

"Manchester United are very strong defensively and have players that can make the difference at any moment.

"We know their players very well. But I wouldn't focus on just the attack but on the whole team."

Barca go into the match marred by injuries and suspension but the Spanish international believes that is no excuse for his team not to deliver.

Central defenders Rafa Marquez and Gabriel Milito are out injured while backs Eric Abidal and Dani Alves are both suspended.