Barcelona Wins Champions League Final

Messi celebrates his goal in the second half.

Today, Barcelona were named Champions of Europe for the second time in three years. They made defeating Manchester United 3-1 look easy. Even though they were playing three hours from Manchester, the Spanish side put on a show for their loyal fans who made the trip and treated Wembley Stadium like it was the Camp Nou. Besides the first ten shaky minutes, Barcelona completely controlled the game. Led by Lionel Messi, Barcelona played keep away from the Man U team for the full ninety minutes, creating a huge possession difference of 63-37%. You can't score if you don't have the ball, and when United was able to wrench the ball away from Barcelona it usually wasn't in a threatening position. Wayne Rooney was the only player who was able to inflict damage to Barcelona, as he was the player who scored United's lone goal that leveled the game with about ten minutes left in the first half.

Wayne Rooney shows his frustration.

Other than the singular goal, Barcelona cruised the entire game, utilizing one touch passing and great movement off the ball to score two second have goals to put away their opponents. United looked powerless to do anything but dig in to their own half and hope for a clearance that would reach Rooney and allow him to make a run at the Barcelona defense, and this strategy could only produce one goal. You can't say that Man U played poorly because Barcelona is truly the better team.The ball seemed glued to Lionel Messi's feet as he sliced through Manchester United's defense. Even Barca's back four weren't afraid to venture forward and involve themselves. The machinelike offense created waves and waves scoring chances. Edwin Van Der Sar, playing his last career match, can't be at fault for the three goals he let in. I've never seen a more dangerous or fun to watch offense than the skills Barcelona showcased today.  After the success Barcelona has had this year in La Liga and the Champions League, I don't think anyone deny that Barcelona is the best soccer team in the world.