Rome, the city of the gladiators, played host to another duel of epic proportions. Dubbed the “Dream Final”, English and World Champions Manchester United squared off against Spanish Champions Barcelona. These 2 sides are arguably the best in Europe, making this encounter a mouth watering prospect. But could Manchester United win back-to-back Champions League titles? Or would a resurgent Barcelona prove themselves to be the best in Europe?

It was Manchester United who came out of the starting blocks quickest, monopolising possession and chances in the opening 10 minutes. Cristiano Ronaldo had 3 efforts during this period, the best of which, a powerful free kick, caused Barca keeper Victor Valdes problems. He could only the parry then effort, and former United defender Gerrard Pique denied his old club a dream start, putting in a great challenge to stop Park tucking home the rebound. Following the early spell of United pressure, Barcelona finally started getting hold of the ball and, with their first attack of the game, they broke the deadlock. Andres Iniesta burst forward and played in Samuel Eto’o. Eto’o cut inside Nemanja Vidic and poked a shot past Edwin Van Der Sar at his near post to give Barcelona the lead. That 10th minute goal instantly changed the game. The wind had definitely been taken from United’s sails, as they struggled to get into the game, whilst Barca settled and started to dominate the game, frustrating United with sublime and accurate passing. Lionel Messi proved to be a particular thorn in United’s side, with dazzling quick feet and rapid pace that left the English sides’ defence mesmerised. Messi came close to adding a second, firing just over after a marauding run. Xavi then curled a free kick just wide as Barcelona looked to double their advantage before half time. It was maybe a relief for United when the half time whistle blew with them just 1 goal behind. United needed to regroup, otherwise they would face another Barcelona onslaught in the 2nd half. But United weren’t the reigning champions for nothing. They most certainly had the talent and the ability to launch a comeback. Their task wasn’t an impossible one just yet.

In a bid to halt the Barca supremacy, United brought on Carlos Tevez for Anderson. This could have been Tevez’s last appearance for United; he would have been looking to make a significant impact. However, he along with most of United’s players, could barely get into the game. In fact, it was the Spanish side who started the 2nd half the more superior, continuing where they had left off in the first half. Thierry Henry’s quick footwork in the box left him facing only Van Der Sar. But the Dutch keeper managed to make a solid stop, keeping United in the final. Not long after, Xavi struck the post from a majestically struck free kick. United tried desperately to get back into the game, Park Ji Sung narrowly missed out on connecting with a cross that had for once, evaded the Barcelona defence. Then, a deep Xavi cross was met by Messi, whose leap belied his small height. His header glided past Van Der Sar into the corner of the net as Barcelona went 2-0 up with just 20 minutes to play. The Spanish side looked to be home and dry. United came close to striking back immediately as Rooney, with his most telling contribution of the entire match, drilled a ball across the 6 yard box. Giggs couldn’t get a meaningful touch on the ball, and Ronaldo only managed to fire straight into Valdes. Barca captain Carlos Puyol had 2 chances to put the game completely beyond United’s reach, firstly heading straight at Van Der Sar from another Xavi free kick. Then, he burst forward from Right Back after another well crafted passing move from Barcelona, which resulted in his effort being quickly smothered by Van Der Sar. When the full time whistle blew, United’s grip on the Champions League trophy was over. Barcelona had taught them a master class in how to play the passing game perfectly, and deservedly won the match, by 2 goals to nil.

The “Dream Final” proved to be somewhat anti-climactic, instead being rather one sided. After the brief 10 minute spell of United pressure right at the stat of the match, Barcelona were the only side in the game. Barcelona dominated all over the pitch. Their makeshift defence was surprisingly untroubled by United’s “Fab Four” of Ronaldo, Rooney, Tevez and Berbatov. The Barca midfield was simply brilliant, with Andres Iniesta giving one of the best performances in a Champions League final ever. Lionel Messi easily eclipsed Cristiano Ronaldo in the battle of the 2 best players in the world, which sort of summed up the match. The 2 best club sides in the world, with one reigning supreme, whilst the other barely made a mark on the game. United will settle for just the 3 trophies this year. They are still Premiership champions, as well as World Club Cup holders, although Barcelona will have the opportunity to take that title of them next year. Overall, a thoroughly deserved 2-0 win from a marvellous, majestic, magnificent Barcelona saw the Spanish side crowned Kings of Europe.

By Chris Sykes