Ronaldo's venomous long range free kick, Eto's fabulous opener, Henry's jink and low shot, Xavi against the post, Messi's brilliant header, Ronaldo's petulance, Scholes disgraceful lunge, Iniesta's cracking shot, Puyol's header, Barcelona's cheers, Manu's despair, Ronaldo's tears, Messi's joy.
What a game, even if it was rather one sided with Manu only really threatening a makeshift Barca defence for the first ten minutes. Barca's lovely movement and slicky passing was joyful, especially when it made Manu look so very average for such long periods. Despite carrying ageing full backs, a central midfielder at centre back and a shadow-like Henry up front, Barca thoroughly deserved the win. Xavi and Iniesta were majestic, calm and elusive on the ball, at the centre of everything Barca did. Messi showed some glimpses of genius, Eto'o showed his athleticism and Valdes showed his speed.
Some of Manu's petulance in defeat was not in the spirit of the game. Ronaldo was the chief culprit with several barges, one thrown elbow and a rather dangerous jump tackle. Scholes' amazingly late tackle could well have been a red on another day. Having said that Ferguson was gracious in defeat and great credit to him for his hearty applause of Barca as they took their trophy at the end. Ronaldo looked like a toddler on the verge of tears because he hadn't got his favourite toy, his jeering by the Barca fans as he collected his medal did amuse.
Guardiola has stood out this season with his impeccable behaviour on the touchline, the likes of Mourinho could learn a lesson or two from watching him for a short period. He seems to remain calm whatever happens, dignified and polite to the extreme. Overall the reaction from both sets of players to each other after the game was very sporting, one just wonders if Manu would have been so graceful in victory.
What a game, even if it was rather one sided with Manu only really threatening a makeshift Barca defence for the first ten minutes. Barca's lovely movement and slicky passing was joyful, especially when it made Manu look so very average for such long periods. Despite carrying ageing full backs, a central midfielder at centre back and a shadow-like Henry up front, Barca thoroughly deserved the win. Xavi and Iniesta were majestic, calm and elusive on the ball, at the centre of everything Barca did. Messi showed some glimpses of genius, Eto'o showed his athleticism and Valdes showed his speed.
Some of Manu's petulance in defeat was not in the spirit of the game. Ronaldo was the chief culprit with several barges, one thrown elbow and a rather dangerous jump tackle. Scholes' amazingly late tackle could well have been a red on another day. Having said that Ferguson was gracious in defeat and great credit to him for his hearty applause of Barca as they took their trophy at the end. Ronaldo looked like a toddler on the verge of tears because he hadn't got his favourite toy, his jeering by the Barca fans as he collected his medal did amuse.
Guardiola has stood out this season with his impeccable behaviour on the touchline, the likes of Mourinho could learn a lesson or two from watching him for a short period. He seems to remain calm whatever happens, dignified and polite to the extreme. Overall the reaction from both sets of players to each other after the game was very sporting, one just wonders if Manu would have been so graceful in victory.
Barca were unfairly written off in the English press, their performance has done the talking. The gloating sycomphants will not have their day, thank God. Personally I would like to say a big well done to Silvinho, a loyal servant who always played with great commitment for us, what a great end to his career. Well done also to Mr Henry, you now have your Champions League medal, it's just a shame it couldn't have been with us.
