Here’s what happened Saturday’s UEFA Champions League final, in case you missed it…
The results
• Watch match highlights: Juventus 1, Barcelona 3
• Read match report: Barca beats Juve to complete treble
Both sides of the story
A special Barca: Xavi ended his career with Barcelona, the only professional club he’s ever known, with another Champions League victory on Saturday in Berlin—talk about ending 17 seasons with the Catalan club in style. And for him to be subbed on for teammate and dear friend Andres Iniesta—you really can’t talk about one without mentioning the other—was one of those emotional moments in sports that instantly became ingrained in the conscience.
Xavi’s departure signals the end of one era, but this victory marked the beginning of another, one that begins with Barca becoming only the eighth team to win the treble (domestic league and cup competition, and European cup) in the same season. Buoyed by the goals of Ivan Rakitic, Luis Suarez and Neymar, and the creativity of Lionel Messi, the Spaniards weathered the second-half storm created by the Italians to win their fifth European crown, truly putting them among the elite in history of the club game. And while it may seem premature to start talking about this latest incarnation of Barcelona as a dynasty or the favourites to repeat as Champions League winners, it’s not so far fetched.
They’re calling Messi-Suarez-Neymar the best attacking trio in the history of the game, and it’s hard to argue. They plundered a combined 122 goals in all competitions in 2014-15 (the last two coming against Juventus)—and this was their first season playing together. It’s scary to think how much better they’re going to be next season after a full campaign under their belt. Barcelona’s defence, unfairly maligned, conceded just 21 times in La Liga and were only beaten eight times in the Champions League. Gerard Pique looked revitalized and again established himself as one of the best centre backs in the world. As for Xavi, he played a bit part, displaced in the starting 11 by the marvellous Rakitic, who took over the string-pulling duties in central midfield. This Barcelona has the makings of another “Dream Team,” a side that can dominate Europe much like Real Madrid did in the 1950s and AC Milan did in the late 1980s/early 199os.
No shame for Juventus: Make it six losses for Juventus in the finals of soccer’s ultimate European club competition, more than any other team in the history of this fabled competition. The drought continues for the Italians, having last won the tournament in 1996 and playing in their first final since 2003. On this, the 30th anniversary of the Heysel tragedy, it would have made a great story for Juventus to claim its third European crown and honour—albeit in a small way—the 39 fans who died on that fateful day in Brussels. It wasn’t meant to be.
Juventus has nothing to be ashamed about. Few gave them much of a chance against a Barcelona side boasting the incredible trio of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar—they combined for 120 goals in all competitions this season ahead of Saturday’s final. This was one appeared be a bit of a mis-match on paper. But Juventus, perhaps looking for inspiration from the 1994 AC Milan team that upset Barca in the final, put in a valiant effort in Berlin, fighting back after going down after only four minutes.
Alvaro Morata’s goal in the second half, coming off an amazing back heel pass from Claudio Marchisio, stunned the Catalans and turned the tide in Juve’s favour. Suddenly, the Italian champions were playing wit great confidence—still absorbing Barca’s pressing game—but more than holding their own. Even after Luis Suarez’s goal gave the Spanish outfit a 2-1 lead, Juventus pressed forward and provided their opponents with several uncomfortable moments. In the end, though, Juventus couldn’t contain the Barcelona juggernaut. They simply lost to the better team on the night—one of the best club sides in the history of the game. There’s absolutely no shame in that, and shouldn’t overshadow Juventus’ incredible season, where they won their fourth straight Serie A title and the Coppa Italia. Juve will be back. Mark my words.
Goal of the day
An intricate and remarkable 16-pass sequence in the fourth minute by Barcelona was capped off by Andres Iniesta shipping the ball across the box to Ivan Rakitic to slot past Gianluigi Buffon.
Save of the day
With Barcelona already up 1-0, Gianluigi Buffon made a top-class top in the 13th minute, blocking a shot by Dan Alves with his left hand as he was going to his right. Incredible.
Best moment of the day
When Andres Iniesta was subbed out in the second half for Xavi (playing in his last game for Barcelona) the two long-time teammates shared a nice moment.
Tweet of the day
Six pack of stats
Andres Iniesta is the first player to assist on a goal in three Champions League finals.
Juventus’ Alvaro Morata is the second player to score in both semifinal legs and the final in a single Champions League season (Arjen Robben did it in 2012-13).
Ivan Rakitic’s fourth-minute goal was the third-fasted in the Champions League final: Paolo Maldini in 2005 (1st minute) and Gaizka Mendieta in 2001 (3rd minute).
Juventus have lost the Champions League/European Cup final six times, more than any other club.
Barcelona’s Xavi has made 151 appearances in the Champions League, more than anyone else in the competition.
Barcelona is the first team in Champions League history to have two players score 10 or more goals in a single season (Lionel Messi and Neymar).
Stats courtesy of Opta
3 stars
1) Andres Iniesta: Had a hand in setting up Ivan Rakitic’s opener and caused Juve plenty of problems with his deft touch and passing.
2) Luis Suarez: He scored the winner, registered seven shots on net and completed 22 passes. An all-around performance.
3) Gianluigi Buffon: The Juventus goalkeeper made two spectacular saves (five total) and kept is team in the game at crucial times.
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