FOOTBALL Live

Wednesday May 27, 2009 Finished Stadio Olimpico

2 - 0

Barcelona

  • Eto'o 10’
  • Messi 70’

Manchester United

2953 comments | Write your comment

  1. Barcelona win the final

    Barcelona win the final

    Samuel Eto'o and Lionel Messi scored the goals as Barcelona beat Manchester United 2-0 in the Champions League final in Rome. More

  • Live Commentary

    Time:90'
    • Barcelona
    • Manchester United
    • 90+3' FULL-TIME!!! BARCELONA ARE CHAMPIONS OF EUROPE.
    • 90+2' Vidic's poor night is compounded as he is booked for a foul on Messi.
    • 90+1' Pedro Rodriguez replaces man-of-the-match Iniesta.
    • 90' Three minutes of added time.
    • 89' Rooney's cross is safely held by Valdes.
    • 88' Great takedown by Tevez but the excellent Pique gets back to make another crucial block.
    • 87' The second corner finds an unmarked Berbatov eight yards out but the £30 million man puts his header wide over the top. Poor effort.
    • 86' Puyol is there again to turn the corner away.
    • 85' A searching ball from Scholes intended for Rooney and the fit-again Puyol is happy to clear for a corner.
    • 84' Puyol goes down injured as he tries to waste some time but the ref, who has been outstanding, is not having any of it.
    • 83' Brilliant from Barca as they tease United only for Puyol's shot to be saved by the advancing Van der Sar.
    • 82' Messi battles for the ball with Rooney and Carrick. Match Image
    • 81' United need to be banging on the door right now and they are not.
    • 80' Messi's superb header was his first goal against an English club.
    • 79' Scholes is booked for a shocking challenge on Busquets.
    • 78' Barca are on course for a third European Cup following their wins in 1992 and 2006.
    • 77' Ronaldo has lost his cool here and Xavi is having words with him.
    • 76' Ronaldo is booked for a mindless shoulder barge on Puyol.
    • 75' Scholes replaces Giggs.
    • 74' Xavi's centre is met by Puyol but his thumping header is straight at van der Sar.
    • 73' Ronaldo fouls Puyol on the right flank and Barca can swing in another dangerous ball.
    • 72' United should have pulled a goal back almost immediately. The ball from the right finds Giggs whose shot is blocked but falls to Ronaldo at the far post only for Valdes to smother his shot.
    • 71' Seydou Keita replaces Henry.
    • 70' 2-0 BARCELONA!! Evra hooks his clearance aimlessly to Xavi who picks out an unmarked Messi and the little Argentine climbs high and guides the ball past van der Sar and into the far corner.
    • 69' United win a corner but Barca head clear powerfully and almost counter-attack through Messi but Rooney tracks back the other number ten.
    • 68' Busquets is playing essentially as a third central defender now.
    • 67' Berbatov is on for Park. It is now a 4-2-4 for United. Maybe the Bulgarian can hold the ball up better than Ronaldo who has gone to the left.
    • 66' More twists and turns from Henry but his low shot is easily held by Van der Sar low to his right.
    • 65' Berbatov is stripped and ready to come on for his second substitute appearance in a Champions League final.
    • 64' The immaculate Iniesta running at pace at the United defence again but he goes down too easily under Ferdinand's challenge and the ref waves play on.
    • 63' The corner from Giggs is just over the head of Vidic.
    • 62' United pick a big hole down the right but Pique prevents Rooney's cross reaching Ronaldo.
    • 61' Remember Manchester United are one of only three sides to have appeared in a European Cup/Champions League final on more than one occasion and have a 100 per cent record (1968, 1999, 2008).
    • 60' Ronaldo tees up Carrick but there is just too much purchase on his intended pass to Rooney in the penalty area.
    • 59' Berbatov and Scholes are warming up.
    • 58' United have settled after that shaky period.
    • 57' Borderline offside as United look to take a quick free-kick and get Ronaldo clear down the right. Pique might have been playing him on.
    • 56' Ronaldo swings in a cross from the right and Toure completely misses his attempted clearance only for the ball to bounce off the hard pitch and over the head of the unmarked Park six yards out.
    • 55' Eto'o celebrates. Match Image
    • 54' Barcelona's Samuel Eto'o scores the goal. Match Image
    • 53' Xavi curls a free-kick around the wall and it smashes against the middle post and out to safety. UNITED ARE UNDER THE COSH.
    • 52' A surging run from Iniesta and he is upended a yard outside the penalty area by Vidic.
    • 51' It is all Barca and Messi cannot believe he does not get a penalty after going down following a possible tug from O'Shea.
    • 50' Great ball by Silvinho and Van der Sar's handling has to be perfect with Eto'o lurking.
    • 49' HENRY SO CLOSE!! Iniesta sends him away down the left in a big hole vacated by O'Shea, he cuts inside Ferdinand and then goes the other way before his shot is saved by the legs of Van der Sar.
    • 48' Certainly a gamble by Ferguson and Barca will get more space. HenryÂ’s chip into the penalty area is headed clear.
    • 47' Rooney has switched to the right, Park to the left and Giggs in the middle with Carrick. Tevez and Ronaldo up top.
    • 46' The second-half is underway and Tevez is on for the ineffective Anderson.
    • - Nemanja Vidic under pressure. Match Image
    • - Messi shoots Match Image
    • - Messi on the run. Match Image
    • - Iniesta beats Anderson in the build-up to the goal. Match Image
    • 45' HALF-TIME! United started the brighter but Barca have dominated after the morale boost of their goal.
    • 45' A weaving run from Iniesta but his flick into the penalty area is just above Henry's head.
    • 44' Surging run by Messi down the left and van der Sar spills his low cross but there is no-one at the near post to capitalise.
    • 43' Eto'o follows Raul by scoring in two separate Champions League finals.
    • 42' Rooney and Giggs have switched roles.
    • 41' Valdes is again alert to leave his line and reach a long ball ahead of Rooney.
    • 40' Dancing run from Messi and he finds Eto'o but workaholic Park gets back to nick the ball off him.
    • 39' Sergio Busquets gives the ball away cheaply but United, with four forward, cannot capitalise.
    • 38' Ronaldo's run is ended by a Toure block but no free-kick to the bemusement of the United man.
    • 37' Iniesta lets fly but his shot is blocked.
    • 36' Pique is so close to meeting the corner six yards out but Vidic just does enough to block him off.
    • 35' Barca play it short and Evra has to turn it behind for another corner.
    • 34' Marauding run from Toure who finds Puyol and Ferdinand puts the cross behind for a corner.
    • 33' Thierry Henry has got very little change out of John O'Shea thus far.
    • 32' Another crossing opportunity for Evra but wasted this time.
    • 31' Rooney finds an overlapping Evra but a secure header from Pique quells the danger.
    • 30' 11 shots in the opening half-hour, eight from United but only one on target.
    • 29' Manchester United are currently on an all-time record 25 game unbeaten run in the Champions League, it is under threat.
    • 28' United think they can exploit Carles Puyol but the raking diagonal pass to Rooney has not quite come off yet.
    • 27' Another free-kick as Vidic brings down Messi who is growing in stature.
    • 26' Xavi curls his effort just over the top corner but van der Sar probably had it covered.
    • 25' A long spell of possession for Barca and Anderson fouls Iniesta 25 yards out.
    • 24' Barcelona have scored more goals (now 31) than any other side in the competition.
    • 23' Ronaldo puts his head to the corner from Giggs but gets under it and fails to test Valdes.
    • 22' Great ball from Carrick to Rooney and he wins United's second corner.
    • 21' Wayne Rooney was unimpressed with Ronaldo there, he was asking where the pass was.
    • 20' Another shot from Ronaldo, his fourth, but he screws it well wide from 25 yards.
    • 19' Great play from United but Anderson slightly overhits his pass to Park and Valdes races off his line to avert the danger.
    • 18' It's a great game. Messi pulls the trigger from 25 yards and a scorching drive just misses the top corner with Edwin van der Sar beaten.
    • 17' It was Giggs who produced a brilliant first-time pass for Ronaldo before he was blocked by Pique.
    • 16' Giggs looks to curl the free-kick into the corner but it is over the crossbar.
    • 15' The first big call of the night from Mr Busacca.
    • 14' Pique bodychecks Ronaldo as he looks to race through on goal. The defender receives yellow but it could have been red.
    • 13' Giggs drifts offside.
    • 12' Xavi's corner causes problems with Barca cannot get a shot off.
    • 11' Now United look nervy as they needlessly give away a corner.
    • 10' Question marks over Vidic for the goal, Eto'o glided past him as he cut in from the right side of the penalty area.
    • 9' GOAL BARCELONA!!! The Catalan club score with their first real attack. Andres Iniesta gets past Anderson too easily and finds Eto'o who cuts inside Nemanja Vidic and toe pokes the ball under Edwin van der Sar from close range.
    • 8' RONALDO CLOSE!! Bustling run from Patrice Evra and the ball drops to the Portuguese star in the penalty area who volleys the dropping ball just wide of the far post from 16 yards.
    • 7' Giggs getting forward in support of Ronaldo at every opportunity.
    • 6' Nervous start from the Catalan club and Ronaldo unleashes a speculative 35-yard effort that flies wide of Valdes' left-hand post.
    • 5' Messi and Samuel Eto'o have just switched positions. Interesting tactical moves by both coaches.
    • 4' United pressing Barca really high up the pitch in the opening stages.
    • 3' Ronaldo's 30-yard effort bounces viciously in front of Victor Valdes and bounces off his body. It requires a superb block by former United defender Gerard Pique to deny Park Ji-sung a tap-in. What a start!
    • 2' A bodycheck by Toure on Anderson so an early free-kick opportunity for Cristiano Ronaldo.
    • 1' Lional Messi gets the game underway.
    • 19:45 The scene is set, here we go!!
    • 19:40 The teams come out to the sound of Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli.
    • 19:35 Alex Ferguson: "Ryan is flexible so we have a lot more options in that respect but he will start in support of Cristiano. These big games you want to start the game right. We have a strong bench and that could be a deciding factor for us."
    • 19:30 Darren Fletcher has been on the pitch at the Stadio Olimpico. I wonder whether Tom Henning Obrevo is watching. Penny for your thoughts
    • 19:25 Federico Macheda does not look too happy after missing out on a place on the bench to Nani. The unfortunate five
    • 19:20 Let's not forget the man in the middle tonight, Swiss Massimo Busacca. The 40-year-old will be taking charge of his first Champions League final, having officiated at the 2007 UEFA Cup final and the Euro 2008 semi-final between Germany and Turkey. He is no stranger to Manchester United, having been the referee for this season's quarter-final, second leg against Porto.
    • 19:15 Supporters of Manchester United and Barcelona have been dressing up as gladiators and Roman legionnaires, posing for photos around the Coliseum and St Peter's Square in the countdown to the game. Stacey Giggs, wife of veteran United winger Ryan, was among those who caught the Roman theme, dressed in a gladiator-style metal studded vest top. Get off the phone!
    • 19:10 As expected all the pre-match injury concerns start. Thierry Henry has recovered from a knee injury, Andres Iniesta plays and United central defender Rio Ferdinand has shaken off a calf injury.
    • 19:05 No place for Neville or Brown in the 18 as Ferguson opts for youth with Jonny Evans and Rafael. Alex Hleb is not even on the bench for Barca with 17-year-old Marc Muniesa, who made his debut on Saturday against Osasuna, which made him the second youngest player to feature for Barcelona only to get sent-off, taking his place.
    • 19:00 Pep Guardiola goes for former Arsenal defender Sylvinho instead of Seydou Keita at left-back with Eric Abidal and Dani Alves suspended. Pep Guardiola has switched captain Carles Puyol to the right flank with Yaya Toure at centre back and Sergio Busquets in the holding role in midfield.
    • 18:55 So United name the XI we all expected so Carlos Tevez and Dimitar Berbatov do start from the bench.
    • 18:50 THE TEAMS HAVE BEEN NAMED - LOOK BELOW NOW!!!
    • 18:45 The teams should be revealed very soon. Will these three guys be on the bench?
    • 18:40 The fans are arriving at the ground. Man Utd brains trust
    • 18:30 Last Three Minutes, part-owned by Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, won the Eriskay Pony Handicap at Lingfield today. I don't think Fergie will swap that for a win tonight do you?
    • 18:20 Coach Pep Guardiola also seemed relaxed about the situation. "I know we are missing important players but that cannot be an excuse. If we can't play with a defender at 100 percent we'll just play with more forwards."
    • 18:10 A lot of you have been saying that United have the edge as Barcelona will be hamstrung by their defensive problems. Not true according to Barca captain Carles Puyol: "The team is in good shape. We have great players and the coach will play them in the right positions. I am certain that everything is going to be just perfect. There is a very good feeling. We know we have an historic opportunity."
    • 18:00 Manchester United will play in an all-white strip tonight when they face Barcelona, just as they did when they beat them in the 1991 European Cup Winners' Cup final. United wore all-blue when they won the European Cup in 1968 and their traditional red-and-white kit when they won in 1999 and last year. United to wear all white
    • 17:50 Four of the last seven finals have ended in penalty shoot-outs. Spot-kicks tonight? Who would you fancy to keep their nerve. United of course won last season's Champions League final and this year's League Cup on spot kicks but lost to Everton in the FA Cup semi. Berbatov's penalty worries
    • 17:40 Two people who won't be causing trouble tonight are Beryl and Olga Townsend. The 72 and 70-year-old sisters from Burnage missed last year's final after Olga became ill - it was the first time they had missed a European game since 1956. Olga told the Manchester Evening News: "I was really looking forward to Russia although I was worried that with a name like mine they wouldn't let me out again!" She a card, old Olga.
    • 17:30 Superintendent John Graves of Greater Manchester Police has played down fears of trouble tonight. "There's a massive difference between what we would term a risk fan and what the Italian authorities categorise as a risk fan. From my perspective, we wouldn't be here if we didn't think there was a risk from some fans despite all the restrictions in place. At any game, you are going to get fans who are a potential problem but we are here to stop them and prevent them getting a foothold." Platini appeals for calm
    • 17:20 Greater Manchester Police have said that some fans have paid up to £500 for forged final tickets. Police are warning that they won't allow fans into the Stadio Olimpico because they don't include an ID chip. Up to 10,000 United fans without tickets are in Rome it is estimated.
    • 17:10 It is likely to be around 23 degrees at kick-off time with the humidity around 65%. So warm but not Kuala Lumpur! Weather Forecast
    • 17:00 Enda from Dublin texts Eurosport direct from Rome: Some alcohol ban they have...sitting in a park on way to stadium, drinking 3 euro warm cans bought from the mafia... great buzz.
    • 16:50 Alex R: God I hope United win. I live in Barcelona and the­ amount of i'll receive at school tomorrow­ would make me @#$% my pants. Seriously, and this is­ from a LEEDS fan. /// So next time you see a spotty kid walking down the Ramblas with a Gary Speed shirt from 1991, you know who it is.
    • 16:40 Manchester United have a 53% chance of winning tonight. That is what 50 thousand of you have decided. Poll Results
    • 16:30 Of course Gary Neville is in line to become the most-capped England full-back of all-time after being handed a surprise call-up by Fabio Capello on Sunday. He will be lucky to be on the bench tonight, maybe Sir Alex will opt for him and Wes Brown in preference to young Rafael da Silva.
    • 16:20 bad_boi_213: I think the expected line up is wrong because he'll­ probably put sylvinho in at LB and maybe take busquets­ off and then put toure in at difensive mid. /// Yes sir very possible. We will level you that was the selection of our colleagues in Spain, they hear whispers in the press between siestas. We will find out just before 7pm.
    • 16:10 Breaking news! Coleen Rooney was wearing a simple peasant top and a sunshine yellow cardigan as the WAGS jetted off to Rome this morning. Let me tell you something friends, Nani's girlfriend is rather easy on the eye.
    • 16:00 In a recent television documentary in South Korea, Park told how his parents would supplement his mealtimes with an appalling-tasting frog soup to help build up his slight frame. That is the final Park mention for three hours, honestly. Park ready to set Asian mark
    • 15:55 We can tell you who won't be watching the final tonight - Didier Drogba!! "No I won't be watching I think I'll take my kids out," he said. Guus Hiddink is not exactly excited by the game either: "I will be watching but if I get a phone call from my uncle at that time I will answer it, which I don't normally do."
    • 15:45 FOUR HOURS UNTIL KICK-OFF!!! Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson and defender Nemanja Vidic have been named Barclays manager and player of the year today. Ferguson and Vidic bag awards
    • 15:35 cslsz: The key to Man U winning tonight is Mr Park who I believe will be the star of the show. Energy, commitment and never giving Barca a minutes peace for their stars to shine and a couple of bob on a goal from him may be good. 2-1 United.
    • 15:25 John Terry: "It should be a very exciting game, I fancy Man U to win"
    • 15:15 Eurosport blogger Paul Parker wants his former club to go for the jugular tonight although we would be surprised to see Carlos Tevez start. Read Paul Parker
    • 15:05 Planning on listening to the game on the radio tonight? Well don't. Commentary of football games on the radio while driving can be dangerous, leading motorists to risk smashes during exciting moments, according to research published today by scientists at the University of Leicester. It estimated that two million motorists had had an accident or near miss while listening to sport on the radio.
    • 14:55 owned9308 continues the Park love-in: Park's a real unsung hero with united. I hope that­ he gets a descive goal and wins the Cup. He deserves­ more than most players on the United team with his­ spectacular work rate.
    • 14:45 If all these words are getting too much for you, how about a quick peek at this photo of United players training
    • 14:40 justinchanjinle: All eyes will definitely be on Ji-Sung Park as he gets his­ chance to be the first Asian player to be part of­ Champions League final. Would be dramatic if he scores­ the winner /// Couldn't agree more Justin, Park has been very effective for United in Europe and against the big sides in the Premier League. He could be a key figure tonight, especially if he ends up going head to head with Henry.
    • 14:30 Jack writes: This blog are very biased...Barca 3 - 1 Man U. LOL /// Well Jack, let me just say that Barcelona are a wonderfully attractive football team graced with an abundance of extravagantly gifted ball players. Messi, in my mind, has more ability than Ronaldo. Xavi and Iniesta create the best central midfield in European football. Thierry Henry is still a devastating force. BUT...Barca are weak at the back and for that reason United HAVE to be favourites to win in Rome.
    • 14:20 We're getting reports that suggest some United fans are flaunting the no-booze rule in Rome...
    • 14:10 Janice M: gosh this waiting is so stressful /// I know exactly what you mean Janice, it feels like you're holding a massive party and just praying people turn up.
    • 14:00 Wise words from marchantos24: I think Sylvinho and Caceres will play because Yaya is­ important in midfield and Keita won't be enough­ defensive for this game. So i guess Busquets starts on the bench and Henry & Iniesta will both be fit to­ play. I believe ManU will play as they did against­ Arsenal: Ronaldo up front and Rooney and Park as­ wingers. Andersson could make way to Scholes­ experience. Henry will be tonight's hero even­ though not 100% fit. He knows how to play against ManU­ and I'm sure he'll be a big threat and on­ scoresheet too.
    • 13:45 ESSENTIAL READING ALERT!!! Our very own Jim White has written a great piece looking forward to the final. You can feast your eyes on it by hovering your mouse here and clicking furiously
    • 13:25 kristooun is the eternal optimist: It will be 2-2. Rooney gets one and Ronaldo one, then­ Messi and Xavi will score. The game will go to extra­ time and United will score - Ronaldo.
    • 13:15 The sun is shining in Rome and it will be pretty warm tonight, which could be a factor. You'd think the Barca players would be better equipped to cope with the heat, but it shouldn't really be an issue for players at this level.
    • 13:10 Chris G, part two: If the game is­ played fair then Man Utd should win­ quite comfortably­ by two or more goals, messi has a bad­ record against­ english teams and Henry is not 100% fit­ but i guarantee­ that the ref will play a big part tonight.
    • 13:10 Chris G, are you looking for a job? Man Utd are going to be stitched up by a dodgy ref­­ decision you see, there will be a dodgy penalty given­­ to Barcelona or not one given to Man Utd. Uefa­ aka­ Sep and Platini hate English teams and they are will­ probably­ going to use the ref to make sure another­ english team­ does not win the champions league again...
    • 13:00 It's time for a time check. SEVEN HOURS AND 45 MINUTES UNTIL KICK-OFF!!! Come on now you Barca and United fans, let's have some insight into the teams Ferguson and Guardiola will pick. Who do you think will be the star tonight?
    • 12:40 Tayo A: As the game draws closer and finally comes to pass, this is the day that football superiority will speack­ the languege that soccer knows. barca make me proud.
    • 12:35 Barca and United have a long and storied history. Read about the classic clashes between the teams in our Man Utd v Barcelona classics feature
    • 12:30 kuwo_boto: I hope that united can beat barcelona 1-0 or 2-1. If­ barcelona beat united I'm going to cry and support­ liverpool or barcelona.
    • 12:15 Barca have conceded 13 goals in the Champions League season, while United have let in just six.
    • 12:00 There's been a lot of talk about the United line-up. Most of the papers seem to think they'll go with Ronaldo up top and probably leave Dimitar Berbatov and Carlos Tevez on the bench. What do you think?
    • 11:45 Wish you were there? How about getting a taste of the experience by watching this video of United fans rocking up in Rome wearing silly hats
    • 11:35 The United fan has been released from hospital. He was stabbed in the leg.
    • 11:30 Lee Walker has rated both teams and used the points to work out which side will win in Rome. Have a read of his feature by clicking on this here link
    • 11:25 oladipupo o: Barcelona will beat man united 4 -0. I'm sorry to Man U. Up­ Barca 4life!
    • 11:15 Some more video action for you, they just keep on coming in. This one sees United legend Bobby Charlton talk about the final
    • 11:05 BREAKING NEWS: Reports are coming in that a Manchester United fan was stabbed in a Rome hotel last night and is recovering in hospital this morning. We'll bring you more as soon as we get it...
    • 11:00 More video action for you. Here we see some of Barca's stars talk about tonight's game
    • 10:55 johnng.oregan: it should be a great match but i do believe Barcelona's defence will let them down. I'd say 2-1­ United. It should be a classic final, a lot better then­ last year's. I feel for Fletcher and Abidal...
    • 10:45 lordcassernx: manchester united will win tonight we've seen them­ produce the goods at important moment, Barca's­ defence is weak and they cant hack english teams as­ we've seen with chelsea. Man United win 2-1 /// Meanwhile, watch Messi talk about his comparisons to Ronaldo
    • 10:35 mugpgits provides a detailed stats breakdown (below), but far more importantly tells us that he loves his wife. Good for you fella. We're made up for you.
    • 10:30 Fancy yourself as a bit of a sports buff? Why not try our Wednesday Sports Quiz
    • 10:25 fathul_rackman: Manchester united Will win 3-1. Go man utd. Go­ Ronaldo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    • 10:20 History is on United's side tonight. The red devils have won all four of their previous European finals. United beat Benfica in 1968 in the European Cup final, Barcelona in the 1991 Cup Winners' Cup final, Bayern Munich in the 1999 Champions League final and Chelsea in last year's Champions League final.
    • 10:10 United manager Alex Ferguson talks about his team's desire for success. Read Ferguson's interview
    • 10:00 It's official, our countdown has begun. It's now 10am and we have JUST NINE HOURS AND 45 MINUTES UNTIL KICK-OFF!!!
    • - That emergency symbol COULD apply to Cristiano Ronaldo, who has been filmed strapping his ankle during yesterday's training. But it won't apply to drunk United and Barca fans in Rome...alcohol has been banned from every bar and restaurant in the City.
    • - Catsup44L: man utd to win 2-1 but barca will score a late consilation­ goal.
    • - Let's get going with some predictions: irfan5373_2007 thinks United will win 1-0, with Carlos Tevez grabbing a last-minute winner.
    • - How about you get things started with a read of today's Champions-League themed edition of Early Doors
    • - Good morning and welcome to our unprecedented ALL-DAY LIVE COVERAGE of the Champions League final between Manchester United and Barcelona.

  • Team Stats

    Barcelona Stats Manchester United
    52% Possession 47%
    12 Shots 11
    7 Shots on target 2
    1 Saves 5
    4 Corners 7
    10 Fouls 7
    1 Offsides 5
    1 Yellow cards 3
    0 Red cards 0
    18 Tackles 21
    403 Accurate passes 345
    79 Bad passes 70

  • Player Stats

    G =
    Goals
    S =
    Shots
    SoT =
    Shot on Target
    F =
    Fouls
    FW =
    Fouls Won
    O =
    Offsides
    A =
    Assists
    AP =
    Accurate Passes
    BP =
    Bad Passes
    T =
    Tackles
    • Barcelona
      G S SoT F FW O A AP BP T
      1 Víctor Valdés 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 9 1 0
      3 Gerard Pique 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 26 1 1
      16 Sylvinho Mendes Campos 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 37 16 2
      5 Carles Puyol 0 2 2 0 3 0 0 30 0 3
      24 Gnegneri Yaya Toure 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 28 0 0
      28 Sergi Busquets 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 38 5 7
      8 Andres Iniesta 0 2 1 0 2 0 1 65 23 3
      6 Xavi Hernández 0 2 0 0 0 0 1 75 11 1
      10 Lionel Messi 1 3 1 0 3 0 0 54 11 0
      9 Samuel Eto'o 1 1 1 2 1 1 0 18 0 1
      14 Thierry Henry 0 2 2 2 1 0 0 11 6 0
      13 Jose Manuel Pinto 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
      11 Bojan Krkic 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
      46 Marc Muniesa 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
      7 Eidur Gudjohnsen 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
      27 Pedro Rodríguez 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
      2 Martín Cáceres 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
      15 Seydou Keita 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 12 5 0
    • Manchester United
      G S SoT F FW O A AP BP T
      1 Edwin Van der Sar 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 17 7 0
      5 Rio Ferdinand 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 47 2 1
      3 Patrice Evra 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 25 10 3
      22 John O'Shea 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 35 0 4
      15 Nemanja Vidic 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 53 12 0
      7 Cristiano Ronaldo 0 6 2 3 1 2 0 20 7 0
      16 Michael Carrick 0 0 0 1 2 0 0 44 8 4
      8 Anderson Oliveira 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 12 4 1
      13 Ji-sung Park 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 13 4 6
      11 Ryan Giggs 0 2 0 0 1 1 0 19 2 1
      10 Wayne Rooney 0 1 0 0 0 2 0 25 11 1
      21 Rafael Pereira da Silva 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
      18 Paul Scholes 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 11 1 0
      32 Carlos Tevez 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 14 1 0
      17 Luís Almeida da Cunha 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
      29 Tomasz Kuszczak 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
      9 Dimitar Berbatov 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 10 1 0
      23 Jonny Evans 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

  • Summary

    • 87' The second corner finds an unmarked Berbatov eight yards out but the £30 million man puts his header wide over the top. Poor effort.
    • 83' Brilliant from Barca as they tease United only for Puyol's shot to be saved by the advancing Van der Sar.
    • 74' Xavi's centre is met by Puyol but his thumping header is straight at van der Sar.
    • 72' United should have pulled a goal back almost immediately. The ball from the right finds Giggs whose shot is blocked but falls to Ronaldo at the far post only for Valdes to smother his shot.
    • 70' 2-0 BARCELONA!! Evra hooks his clearance aimlessly to Xavi who picks out an unmarked Messi and the little Argentine climbs high and guides the ball past van der Sar and into the far corner.
    • 56' Ronaldo swings in a cross from the right and Toure completely misses his attempted clearance only for the ball to bounce off the hard pitch and over the head of the unmarked Park six yards out.
    • 53' Xavi curls a free-kick around the wall and it smashes against the middle post and out to safety. UNITED ARE UNDER THE COSH.
    • 51' It is all Barca and Messi cannot believe he does not get a penalty after going down following a possible tug from O'Shea.
    • 49' HENRY SO CLOSE!! Iniesta sends him away down the left in a big hole vacated by O'Shea, he cuts inside Ferdinand and then goes the other way before his shot is saved by the legs of Van der Sar.
    • 26' Xavi curls his effort just over the top corner but van der Sar probably had it covered.
    • 18' It's a great game. Messi pulls the trigger from 25 yards and a scorching drive just misses the top corner with Edwin van der Sar beaten.
    • 9' GOAL BARCELONA!!! The Catalan club score with their first real attack. Andres Iniesta gets past Anderson too easily and finds Eto'o who cuts inside Nemanja Vidic and toe pokes the ball under Edwin van der Sar from close range.
    • 8' RONALDO CLOSE!! Bustling run from Patrice Evra and the ball drops to the Portuguese star in the penalty area who volleys the dropping ball just wide of the far post from 16 yards.
    • 3' Ronaldo's 30-yard effort bounces viciously in front of Victor Valdes and bounces off his body. It requires a superb block by former United defender Gerard Pique to deny Park Ji-sung a tap-in. What a start!
    • 19:40 The teams come out to the sound of Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli.
    • 14:20 We're getting reports that suggest some United fans are flaunting the no-booze rule in Rome...
    • 13:10 Chris G, are you looking for a job? Man Utd are going to be stitched up by a dodgy ref­­ decision you see, there will be a dodgy penalty given­­ to Barcelona or not one given to Man Utd. Uefa­ aka­ Sep and Platini hate English teams and they are will­ probably­ going to use the ref to make sure another­ english team­ does not win the champions league again...
    • 12:30 kuwo_boto: I hope that united can beat barcelona 1-0 or 2-1. If­ barcelona beat united I'm going to cry and support­ liverpool or barcelona.
    • 12:00 There's been a lot of talk about the United line-up. Most of the papers seem to think they'll go with Ronaldo up top and probably leave Dimitar Berbatov and Carlos Tevez on the bench. What do you think?
    • 11:00 More video action for you. Here we see some of Barca's stars talk about tonight's game
    • 10:35 mugpgits provides a detailed stats breakdown (below), but far more importantly tells us that he loves his wife. Good for you fella. We're made up for you.
    • 10:30 Fancy yourself as a bit of a sports buff? Why not try our Wednesday Sports Quiz
    • - Good morning and welcome to our unprecedented ALL-DAY LIVE COVERAGE of the Champions League final between Manchester United and Barcelona.

Live Team Line-Up

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Comment 2934 - 2953 of 2953

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  1. barca rock
    manun suck

    From clivestevens644, on Sat 24 Oct 9:52PM

  2. here we go again to destroy the coakroaches and allow­ the eagels of football to remain on top to liverpool­ they are always on my mind as for them they have some­ skiilfull players that can be reckon with in the would­ but let them know that father of all is BARCELONIA

    From dickson, on Tue 28 Jul 12:16PM

  3. and for messi is the best man of all and to the best­ coach of the season pep guadiola name it he is a great­ achiever

    From dickson, on Tue 28 Jul 12:11PM

  4. iam a powerful barcelonia fans and we are very happy­ that we won the league always barca is always on top­ for life we shall always be this season is ourseason as­ well tell cheasea and the remaining club to go and sit­ down

    From dickson, on Tue 28 Jul 12:09PM

  5. Glory Glory Barcelona
    Fok u Fok u Man United Mofoker

    From Hamann B, on Thu 23 Jul 8:58PM

  6. i think united would have won despite of some few­ things;
    1The stadium in which the match was played;

    From samuel, on Wed 22 Jul 5:40PM

  7. barcellona suckes my oversiced ding a ling

    From jonnyboy911, on Mon 20 Jul 10:33PM

  8. TREBLE! TREBLE! TREBLE! IF MAN U FANS ARE STILL PROUD­ OF THEIR GRANDPA'S ACHIEVEMENT IN 1999, barca fans­ will absolutely proud of this season..jz admit it man u­ fans, barca is the best! stop buying players man u and­ start giving chances for ur academy youngsters products­ to play! like puyol,valdes,busquets,iniesta,xavi n­ messi!! n ohh, one more thing..messi's great­ achievement will earn him the ballon d'or and world­ player of the year as well!!

    From mohamadfazreenmohamadanuar, on Mon 20 Jul 8:13AM

  9. barca played without dani alves n abidal n even toure­ who used to be a defensive mid played as a center­ back..but still man united so-called brilliant­ offenders couldnt even score a goal!! perhaps its­ because ronaldo played as a center forward where rooney­ should be there..but gth with that!! this is the­ catalonia season!!

    From mohamadfazreenmohamadanuar, on Mon 20 Jul 8:10AM

  10. Glory Glory Barcelona
    Fok u Fok u Man United X2

    From ???, on Fri 10 Jul 10:47AM

  11. result is bad!!

    utd won 9-0 ;D

    From luke4sm, on Wed 8 Jul 8:59PM

  12. even doe i support CHELSEA and barcerlona won wich was­ sooo unfair of the ref !barcelona ,i was hoping to­ barca win!caz i absoultly hate man u!i loke barca­ better than man u!and baca­ WON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!???????????????

    From Mauricio, on Tue 30 Jun 6:56PM

  13. the wheather didnt put the of they are just loosers !

    From kurvva40, on Fri 26 Jun 12:46PM

  14. GLORY GLORY BARCELONA
    FOK u FOK u Man United Club &­ Fans

    From Sean S, on Tue 16 Jun 6:07PM

  15. MAN UTD RULE it was the hot weather that put em­ of...RONALDO7 LEGEND REMEBERED 4EVA WITH TRUE MAN UTD­ FANS LIKE ME WHAT A F*CKI*G LEGEND MU WON IT

    From Who Knows, on Mon 15 Jun 8:47PM

  16. barca hammered ue of the pitch take ur beating messi­ showed that he was a btr player then that so called­ best player in the world dont make me laugh hes not­ even the best player a real m

    From geraldfoley90, on Mon 15 Jun 6:22PM

  17. feck you all.glory hunters you disgust me

    From kuledX, on Sun 14 Jun 1:10PM

  18. Glory Glory Barcelona
    Fok u Fok u Man United

    From Hamann B, on Mon 8 Jun 4:22PM

  19. Messi & Eto they Foked (Man United­ Players,C.Ronaldo&Rooney& ALL Man.u Fans)
    Thats­ Why History Always sayng
    GLORY GLORY BARCELONA
    Wwanker­ Wwanker Man United

    From Sean, on Mon 8 Jun 4:18PM

  20. C.Ronaldo is the best.Rooney also!They can beat­ Liverpool for 9999999999999999.0!Also Tevez join in!!

    From Rashid, on Mon 8 Jun 10:46AM
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