The King of Europe. For the second time. Pedro Rodríguez was declared in Wembley a FC Barcelona’s model, a cornerstone within Pep Guardiola’s team, which continues making history by winning titles. In the final they played in Rome he only played the last minutes. In London 2011’s he didn’t content with being at the starting eleven, but also opened the path to the victory against Manchester United that means a new Continental title for Barcelona. It was a homemade goal: slip the marker, Xavi controls the ball and gives a measured pass and Pedro shots with the right leg to the hole, misleading the great Van der Sar to direct the great final. Then, Rooney’s draw goal was useless after Lionel Messi and David Villa’s goals. Upon the final whistle, Pedro enjoyed the celebrations covered by the colors of his beloved Canary Islands.
Barça has been crowned again in Wembley with a great match worthy to lift the fourth Champions League of their history. The second times can be equal or even better than the first times and if in 1992 Barça started their dream at the biggest European championship, it has been again in London where they have made a poker in their track record with the MVP’s – Messi, Villa and Pedro – goals against a Manchester United who has been a good companion for the Barça display that has ended 3-1.
The first half has been an unequal proportion between the game and the opportunities for Barça and the points at the scoreboard. Pedro’s initial goal at the 28th minute has been equaled by Rooney just six minutes later in a generous first half of the Guardiola team. The first ten minutes of tonight’s match have been quite similar to those lived in Rome in 2006. Manchester United has started pushing hard and the vertical game of the ‘red devils’ has been answered first retaining and then after the 11th minute with a display of touch and control fit of the best Barça. Valdés - wearing a green shirt as Zubizarreta did in 1992 - has cleared the ball when necessary after a blow of Van der Sar directly for Rooney.
- Messi-Xavi-Iniesta
After Manchester United’s opportunity Barça started making moves from Xavi, Iniesta and Messi’s boots. During the previous days the English press highlighted as the key that Ferguson knew how to stop this trio of players, but when it came down to it, however, the combination between this three players and their association with Pedro and Villa have been lethal for the English.
- Wide range of opportunities
The Barça game was complying with the expectations getting several opportunities. That way, after some opportunities of Messi, zigzagging on the border of the area at the 18th minute, and Villa, trying to shoot from the area’s line, it was Pedro who shot a great assist of Xavi. The first Barça goal in this match is the fifth of the Canary Islands player in Champions League this season.
- More intensity despite the draw
But, as we said before, despite the timid game of United, a good move between the two most talented players of the English team, Giggs and Rooney, turned at the 34th minute into a goal of the last. Rooney shot the ball close to the right corner of Víctor Valdés goal, who was unable to stop the draw goal. This goal, however, spurred the spirit of Guardiola’s team. It was not the moment to stop pushing or to let the wining spirit to vanish. Before the half time, the team had even a clear opportunity with a rehearsed move that almost gave them a new goal.
- Magic at the bottom of the net.
And if the first half was leaded by the game of Barça, the second was a monologue with Messi and Villa’s goals. Great goals in the 53th and the 69th minute, respectively, with collective moves and great shots. While the Argentinean surprised Van der Sar, the Asturias player has hit the ball straight into the goal. And apart from this goals festival, the most important thing of the match has been the control of the game, from the beginning to the end, and even more in this second half where the Spanish team has cut Manchester United’s connections. And Messi, who had been unable until now to score an English team in their territory, has ended with this spell, being crowned as the top scorer of the championship, equaling Van Nistelrooy with 12 goals.
- We return to Wembley, we win again
If in 1992 Koeman’s great goal gave Barça their first Europe Cup, the collective game of an historical team, the one of the Six Cups and the one of the great opportunities, has put the cherry on top of the cake of a great season with a double title. Barça’s effectiveness has got along very well with the collective game. Let’s make room at the Museum. The fourth Champions will arrive soon!
- fcbarcelona.com report.
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