Quick Report: FC Barcelona 2-0 Manchester United

FC Barcelona have won the UEFA Champions League for the third time in history. Goals from Samuel Eto’o and Lionel Messi led Josep Guardiola’s side to a rather easy 2-0 victory over Manchester United.

Manchester United took the initiative in the opening phase and had a good chance to open the score in the second minute. A free kick from Cristiano Ronaldo almost surprised Victor Valdes but the keeper reacted in time to parry the shot, for defenders to clear the danger.

After ten minutes of play at Rome’s Stadio Olimpico, it was FC Barcelona’s first real attack that earned the Catalans the opening goal. Samuel Eto’o cut past Nemanja Vidic and then struck on goal. Keeper Edwin van der Sar touched it but the shot was too powerful to block completely.

Barcelona controlled the game in the rest of the first half without particular difficulties, as United seemed to be suffering from the deficit and failed to get anywhere near the opposing goal.

The start of the second half saw an even stronger Barcelona who created one chance after the other. Eight minutes after the break, the Spaniards had a free kick just outside the penalty area and Xavi’s powerful effort bounced off the right post.

But Barcelona got their deserved second goal on 70 minutes. Xavi’s cross from the right side found Lionel Messi, and the Argentinian striker headed past Van der Sar for 2-0.

With a comfortable lead in the pocket, Barcelona continued to attack and create chances, and would have scored several more goals if it wasn’t for Van der Sar, who made a number of saves to avoid a larger defeat.

Apart from winning the trophy for the third time, after 1992 and 2006, Barcelona also become the first Spanish side to win the ‘treble’, as they had already secured the Primera Division and Copa del Rey titles.