
The high profile match between Manchester united and Barcelona kicked off at Stadio Olympico in Rome.The Champions League finals was simply the contest between 2 of the best teams in Europe at the present.Manchester United were the favourites to lift the cup and retain the trophy for the 2nd consecutive year, thereby creating a record.Barcelona had a depleted defense with Abidal and Alves suspended,Marquez and Milito injured.Puyol was shifted to the right back position, with Toure and Gerard occupying the centre back position and leaving ageing Sylvinho on the left-back position.Sylvinho's job was to stop Ronaldo and considering his age, he managed the young lad pass him only once in the entire course of the match.Anderson was blocked by Toure in the 2nd minute of the game which handed United their chance to open the score. Barcelona were lucky to keep the score down when Ronaldo's dangerous free kick was saved by the in-form Valdes.Barcelona were taunted by their last year's semifinal match.Ronaldo kept firing every ball for the 1st 10 min keeping all the fans on the edge of their seats.It certainly seemed that United would lift the cup.
Barcelona slowly picked up form as Xavi,Iniesta and Messi started controlling the game.Barca scored in the 10th min,when Iniesta's pass found ETO'O.ETO'O made a sharp cut passing Vidic and fired the ball at the near post.Van Der Sar was helpless.Thereafter United never got to touch the ball.Barcelona picked up their form and played at their peak.Henry missed a golden chance as Van Der Save made an excellent save thereby keeping United's hopes alive.Xavi was handed a free kick when Iniesta was pushed at the edge of the box.Xavi's free kick hit the post.Barcelona were gaining momentum and United couldn't do anything.In the 70th minute,Puyol stole a pass and passed the ball to Xavi.Xavi chipped the ball to messi who was waiting in air to head the ball.The "LITTLE GOD" never scores with a header and has never scored against the English teams.What a time to do it?United lost their hopes and Sir Alex was shattered. Barcelona had a chance of scoring the 3rd.This time it was Puyol who made a fine run from the back.Xavi fed the ball to Puyol and Van Der Sar made an excellent save yet again saving UNITED the humiliation.
MESSI proved he is the best and RONALDO proved why he doesnt deserve the "WORLD PLAYER OF THE YEAR" award.Messi was outstanding the entire night.United players grew furious and earned 3 yellow cards(Ronaldo,Scholes,Vidic).Barcelona maintained the tempo throughout the game and played football at its best.Barcelona deserved to win.Messi was the highest scorer of this year's champions league with 9 goals in his bag.ETO,MESSI and HENRY share 100 goals between them this year in all competitions.BARCELONA are the first Spanish team to win the treble.
Barcelona recruited a rookie manager after Rijkaard's exit.PEP GUARDIOLA had a dream debut season with 3 trophies already.Pep is the youngest manager(38) to win the champions league and 6th person to win the champions league both as a player and as a manager.Spanish success continues after 'EURO 08' win.MESSI will be given the "FIFA WORLD PLAYER OF THE YEAR 09" AND THE "BALLON D' OR" for his performance. BARCA played with style.