Barcelona vs Manchester United Highlights: UEFA Champions League 2009 Final

Manchester United discovered what it is like to lose a European Cup final as resilient Barcelona ruled Rome on Wednesday, securing a comfortable 2-0 win.

If there is any consolation in failure to become the first side to retain the trophy in the Champions League era, it is that they lost to a side as fluent and brilliant to watch as they themselves are.

Samuel Eto’o and Lionel Messi scored the goals either side of half-time but to single those two out for special praise would be unfair on their team-mates who were equally mesmerising, and particularly Xavi, who was simply awesome.

For once Cristiano Ronaldo could provide no magic of his own, instead World footballer of the year was getting increasingly frustrated as defeat loomed.

It was a shame really. Although having done so much damage to others down the years, Ronaldo does now know how it feels.

Twenty four hours earlier, Sir Alex Ferguson had spoken of reaching into the far corners of his brain for an inspiring word or two before the kick-off.

As half-time approached, that same grey matter might have preferred a word or two about Barcelona’s brilliant performance.

In the end the Scot admitted that the best team won.

Complete Highlights:

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Short Highlights:


Villarreal vs Real Madrid Highlights

Two-time reigning champions Real Madrid handed their Primera Division crown to arch rivals Barcelona after slumping to a 3-2 defeat at Villarreal.

Lying eight points behind table toppers Barca with three games remaining, Madrid needed to win at El Madrigal to keep the title race alive - at least until Pep Guardiola’s men met Real Mallorca tomorrow.

But goals from Robert Pires, Ruben Cani and Joan Capdevila cancelled out efforts from Madrid duo Rafael Van der Vaart and Gonzalo Higuain to give Villarreal a much-needed boost in their quest for a Champions League spot and hand Barca the title.

Highlights:

Blackburn and Spurs target Bojan Krkic

Bojan Krkic is expected to be at the centre of transfer frenzy this summer as several clubs throughout Europe queue up for his services.

The 18-year-old Barcelona star is already a reported loan target for Blackburn, but Sam Allardyce is sure to face stiff competition for the striker’s services.

The Catalan-born youngster is very highly rated at the Nou Camp, but coach Pep Guardiola looks all set to allow Krkic to move out on loan for a season to gain some much-needed first-team football.

The player’s agent Zoran Vekic said he would not entertain talk of a transfer until the end of the season.

‘Now it is not possible,” said Vekic.

“In 15 days there are possible talks (with Barcelona) but now it is not possible to speak to another club.

“Bojan is very happy in Barcelona and it is not possible now to change club.”

Krkic has made 10 Champions League appearances this term and scored three goals and looks all set for a place on the bench in Rome for the final against Manchester United.

But he will not be able to rest up after that as he is all set for a summer of Under-21 action with Spain at the European Championships and if, as expected, he stars at the finals in Sweden then Barca will be inundated with enquiries for his services.

Spurs have also been linked with Krkic, whose Spain side will come face to face with England’s Under-21s on June 18.

Athletic Bilbao vs Barcelona : Copa del Rey Final Highlights

Brilliant Barcelona clinched the first silverware of the Pep Guardiola era tonight after coming back from an early deficit to crush Athletic Bilbao in the Copa del Rey final at the Mestalla.

Gaizka Toquero had given Athletic brief hope of ending their 25-year trophy barren spell when he gave the Basque side an early lead, but Barca stormed back with goals from Yaya Toure, Lionel Messi, Bojan Krkic and Xavi and lift the cup.

The victory means Barca have now secured one of a possible trophy treble this season, and they could make it two from two this weekend as they just need one more point to win the Primera Division title.

Guardiola’s men are also in the final of the Champions League, where they play Manchester United later this month and they have good chances of winning it.

Highlights:

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