Barcelona’s Messi and Co. walk through the gates into football heaven

Barcelona 3 Manchester United 1

When football was first invented, it is almost certain no-one could ever have imagined the game could be played in such a majestic, magical and truly beautiful way. Once again champions of Europe this Barcelona team showed why they are the greatest team to ever grace a football pitch. They are sensational.

There is no superlative worthy of the little magician, the conductor that is Lionel Messi. Or Xavi for that matter. Add Iniesta to that list also.

For the first ten minutes, even the most pro-Barcelona mind must have had some form of doubt enter their mind. Stray passes, Alves and Busques the culprits, and a narrow escape for Pique and Valdes, mis-communication almost gifting United a golden opportunity. United were setting the blueprint, maintaining pressure and playing with in tensity.

Composure and control returned to Barcelona’s play. Pedro fired wide. Barca found their rhythm. Every pass is played with intent, always looking to pull the opposition around to create space. There is intent with every touch of the ball. United appeared to be paying for a ferocious first ten. Villa hit wide, then forced Van Der Sar to save. Last ditch heroics from Vidic and Ferdinand stopped Barcelona, momentarily.  Barca’s infamous and admired high-pressing deployed to perfection. Xavi, the architect glided forward, his run pulling Evra out of position, he found Pedro who made Van Der Sar pay for anticipating a shot across goal and put United to the sword. A cool finish under pressure from Vidic.

United needed to reroup. Rooney searching for the ball in all areas of the pitch but was always closely followed. At just 37 minutes, Barca had completed over double the amount of passes United had, 265 to 100. Against the run of play United’s own star, on the biggest stage, hauled them back into the game. Rooney drove forward with purpose, combined with Giggs to finish sublimely. Again, you had to think maybe, just maybe. Barca remained unfazed. Iniesta and Xavi went close. Messi began to tease. His third nutmeg of the first half lead to a delightful combination with Villa, Messi only millimetres away from making it 2-1. A relief for United before half time.

As mesmirising as the attacking play was, stand in centre back Javier Mascherano was outstanding. Seen by many as United’s way to victory, he was solid and composed. Sweeping behind full backs denying United a way forward. His combative nature and experience in the Premier League enabling him to more than hold his own at centre back in the biggest club match in the world.

Before the final questions were raised at UEFA’s absurd ticket pricing policy. From what was witnessed in the first half and hat was to come in the second, UEFA could have hiked their price with little complaint. A true privilege to watch for any football fan.

Messi soon rubber stamped his place as the best player in the world, finding the net from outside the area. Van Der Sar should have done better. Vidic avoided contact with the shot, perhaps un-sighting the Dutchman who will no doubt be disappointed to concede in such manner. The celebration that followed tells you all you need to know about the character Lionel Messi. Such raw passion and love for the game, his club and his adoring fans capsulated in one moment. For everything he has already achieved it still means the world to the little genius.

There was little joy for United in the second half. Barca resolute in defending their lead. Van Der Sar tested on a regular basis but soon to be beaten again. Stunning footwork from Messi on the wing took him past the stranded defender, tackled in the box the ball broke to Carrick who put Nani under pressure with his heavy pass. The clearance falling to Villa on the edge of the box who curled the ball inside the post giving Van Der Sar no chance. A great moment for Villa who made the move to Catalonia for these  games,  for those moments.

A disappointing end to United’s European season. Ferguson wanting to show no fear, he did so with his selection. His pride and belief in his team unquestionable but was the catalyst for this defeat. You have to admit your inferiority to Barcelona. You have to compromise your own game to beat them. United’s four man midfield over-run. It is impossible to try and match Barca. Especially on nights like this.

Once again the English champions had to endure watching this special team go and collect another European Cup. This time knowing for sure there was almost nothing they could do. A touching sentiment to Eric Abidal, who hoisted the trophy above his head, the smiles of his team-mates matching millions across the world. From kick off he was tested, United playing the ball directly at him for Valencia to challenge. He dealt with it and from that moment oozed class, composure and charisma. All hail the heroic Abidal. All hail the Kings of European football. All hail “tika-taka”.