Magic of Samuel Eto'o and Lionel Messi

Barcelona Wins Champions League Final By The Magic of Samuel Eto'o and Lionel Messi

Barcelona Wins Champions League Final By The Magic of Samuel Eto'o and Lionel Messi

Manchester United discovered what it is like to lose a European Cup final as brilliant Barcelona ruled Rome on Wednesday, securing a comfortable 2-0 win.

If there is any consolation in failure to become the first side to retain the trophy in the Champions League era, it is that they lost to a side as fluent and brilliant to watch as they are.

Samuel Eto'o and Lionel Messi scored the goals either side of half-time but to single those two out for special praise would be unfair on their team-mates, and particularly Xavi, who was simply awesome.Samuel Eto'o drew first for Barcelona, scoring in the 10th minute off the left hand of Manchester United goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar, giving Barcelona the only goal it would need.



For once Cristiano Ronaldo could provide no magic of his own, instead getting increasingly frustrated as defeat loomed.

It was a shame really. Although having done so much damage to others down the years, he does now know how it feels.

Sir Alex Ferguson had said beforehand that his best team-talks "usually come to me about three in the morning" and the Scot sorely needed inspiration in his half-time instructions, opting to introduce Carlos Tévez for Anderson. This did little to stem the tide. Thierry Henry tricked his way past Rio Ferdinand only to shoot weakly against Van der Sar before Xavi curled a free-kick beyond the keeper, the post coming to United's rescue. Then Wayne Rooney's right-wing centre bounced over Park's lunge as the holders began to edge their way back into proceedings, disrupting Barcelona's rhythm though creating little of their own.

Champions League final: Barca v Man U Prevision

Already with the domestic league and cup titles to show for his first season as a coach, Barcelona's Pep Guardiola chases the ultimate prize in European club football today when he bids to topple Manchester United and Alex Ferguson in a Champions League final fans all over the world have been waiting for.

From Cristiano Ronaldo vs. Lionel Messi to Wayne Rooney vs. Thierry Henry, this Champions League final shapes up as a classic of European club soccer.



Already with the domestic league and cup titles to show for his first season as a coach, Barcelona's Pep Guardiola chases the ultimate prize in European club football today when he bids to topple Manchester United and Alex Ferguson in a Champions League final fans all over the world have been waiting for.


It has been a dream start for Barcelona coach Pepe Guardiola.
In just his first season in charge of the Catalan side, the 38-year-old former Barcelona midfielder has led the Spanish giants to the Copa del Ray, and the La Liga title, while his team has been hailed for playing some of the sexiest football in Europe.
Barcelona have lost just one game in this season's Champions League campaign (losing 1-0 to Wisla Krakow in qualifying) and with the scoring prowess of Eto'o (5), Messi (8) and Henry (6), boast the highest goal tally of the tournament


It has been another glorious year for Alex Ferguson's Red Devils.
After the closest title race in years, United recently added an 18th League title to their Carling Cup and Club World Cup trophies, meaning United are set to win the first British quadruple if they get past Barca in Rome.
Unbeaten in the Champions League since May 2007, the defending Champions will be looking to retain their title, while Alex Ferguson will be looking to become just the second manager (the first being Liverpool's Bob Paisley) to win three Champions League trophies.