However, after this period Barcelona found momentum, and with that their possession rocketed to 66% in the 2nd quater of the match. Barcelona finally undid United's defence, with Pedro finding a slick ball to slot past Van Der Sarr. At this moment, it was hard to think that Man Utd could get back into it. However, 8 minutes later magical one-touch passing, mirroring the Catalans, Giggs was fed a ball, although arguably offside, who clipped it across to Rooney to hit it into the back of the net. Outstanding goal, and outstanding play from the English club. And this was game on.
The second half saw more from Messi, who dinked through FOUR United players, before slotting a through ball towards Villa, only for Rio Ferdinand to slide it away. The deadlock was broken again after Messi picked up the ball on the edge of United's half and shot with some power and curve, just out of reach from Van Der Sarr. However, replays show that the United Goalie should've done better there.
After this, United had little chances, and a third goal came from Barcelona, with a tussle in the box, cleared to Villa outside the box, you placed a shot into the top corner to Van Der Sarr's left. Game over.
Still, United pressed, but Barcelona's defence resisted their challanges, and it was merely a one sided match.
The captaincy was then handed over to Abidal by Puyol, as the 31-year old had had a life saving operation to remove a tumor in his liver just 70 days before this match. What a great sight of gratitude to a strong man.
What are your thoughts on the match?
