Champions League Final 08/09

Ahhh... the sweet sight of seeing such a disappointing Manchester United side being downed by Barcelona in such a big match. I would love to see the usually cocky faces of the Manchester United supporters after the match...

Anyway...

FC Barcelona has won the Champions League in Rome beating defending champions Manchester United by two goals to nail in what is believed to be a one sided affair. Going into this match, Manchester United had the chance to be the only club to win back to back Champions League title and Barcelona on the other hand could record a historic treble (winning three titles) for the season.

Samuel Eto'o wheels away in delight after giving Barcelona an early lead in Rome

In all honesty, Manchester United started off well but after the 10th minute goal by Samuel Eto'o, they just looked out of sorts and disappointing. It was a Barcelona fast break which broke the dead lock as Andreas Iniesta, who ran down the field set Samuel Eto'o up with a through ball. Then skillfully, from the right side, Eto'o managed to cut inside Vidic and fire a low shot which Van Der Sar only managed to touch but couldn't keep the ball out of the net. United's almost arrogant-control of the match slowly but surely evaporated, eventually to disappear altogether.

Lionel Messi celebrates after scoring Barcelona's second goal at the Stadio Olimpico

As Manchester United push forward to get an equalizer in the second half, the back was expose once again in the 70th minute when Xavi's pin point cross reach the head of Lionel Messi who guided the ball with his head pass the rotted Van Der Sar. 2-0 the scoreline and United just did not have any answers for Barcelona. The United players not only did not get going on the offensive end but where also made to chase the ball round the field by the classy Barca players. Now, how often do we get to see that? Manchester United were just awful.

Barcelona pose with the trophy

Lionel Messi leads the Barcelona celebrations

I would say the lost was down to Sir Alex Feguson's lousy tactics and also the players that did not show up. But credits to Barcelona as well, they played their usual breath taking football and United just couldn't handle them.

Josep Guardiola enjoys the triumph in Rome

One man not to forget is the manager of Barcelona, Josep Guardiola, who's previously a captain of a Barcelona side which have also won the Champions League, is only in his first season in charge of Barcelona and at the age of 37, he is the 3rd youngest manager to guide a team to Champions League glory. Besides, Barcelona this season has also won the Spanish League and Cup which marks an outstanding season for the Spanish side. This team should also be rated by the history books as one of the truly great sides of European football.

No arguments can be made, they deserved it.