Barca Takes the UEFA Cup Final

By: Sam Echols

UEFA Champions League: Manchester United 0 – 2 Barcelona

The biggest game of the 2009 world soccer calendar kicked off on Wednesday at 2:45 at the Rome Stadium when Manchester United took on FC Barcelona for the UEFA Champions League Final. As Manchester was favored by many, the result did not go in their favor.
The first 10 minutes of the match, Manchester United took it to Barcelona, firing away shots and maintaining possession. With a quick change of pace from Barcelona and the first run down the right hand side by Iniesta, he managed to play the ball to Samuel Eto’o in the box resulting in a goal. From there on out, Barcelona seemed to suck the energy out of Manchester United and out-played them for the rest of the match. The remainder of the half remained scoreless.

World footballer of the year, Cristiano Ronaldo was showing no magic for the Manchester United fans. All he showed was frustration out on the field through his body language along with Rooney. They could not seem to get their act together and play the game.

With the second half starting, Barcelona continued barreling down the field in attempt to score another. With a free kick, Xavi hits the post nearly ripping it into the back of the Manchester net. At the 70th minute mark, Lionel Messi pulled away from Rio Ferdinand and headed the second goal from Xavi’s cross. Pulling ahead 2-0, Manchester had started to feel a sign of defeat. With a lone sub change in the match, Scholes comes on for Giggs at the 75th minute.

After the four minutes of stoppage time was over, the final score was Barcelona 2, Manchester United, 0. An upset to many, but let the best team win. Barcelona deserved it with the way they played. Manchester United just did not bring the game that most are used to seeing.  Manchester United captain, Ryan Giggs admitted after the game that his team had been second best and that Barcelona should have won.

FC Barcelona has won recognition for being the first Spanish team to win the Champions League, The Spanish League and the Kings Cup in the same year. They had an outstanding season and without a doubt, Barcelona stands to be one of the best teams in the world.