FIA hints at progress as FOTA responds

The FIA has suggested that slight progress has been made in its row with the Formula One Teams' Association (FOTA) over the future of the sport, after claiming that a response to its request for teams to lodge unconditional entries for 2010 was 'not entirely negative.'

With FIA president Max Mosley having asked FOTA's eight members to let him know by this evening whether or not they would remove the conditions attached to their entries to the 2010 championship, the teams' organisation duly wrote to the governing body.

No details of the contents of the letter have been made public, and FOTA was unwilling to comment about the situation, but it is understood that the teams made it clear that they were not in a position to be able to drop the conditions attached to their entry yet.

However, having laid out clearly in the letter and various attachments what teams would like to see in place for them to commit, the FIA says it has seen some signs of encouragement in the latest stance.

A spokesman for the governing body said: "The FIA has received a letter and various attachments from FOTA, the contents of which are not entirely negative, and we are currently examining the details."

FOTA has been keen not to adopt an aggressive strategy with the governing body over the matter, and believes that the cost cut proposals it has put forward are exactly what is needed to help secure the sport's future.

However, the bigger issue for the teams remains governance of the sport. That is why the signing of a new Concorde Agreement to unify the teams, the FIA and the sport's commercial rights holder is so important.

Toyota vice-chairman John Howett said in Turkey last weekend that sorting out how rules are framed in the future was a priority.

"It's about fundamentally governance; there are also one or two issues of methodology of managing, shall we say, resource control, or reduction," he explained. "And I think the FOTA requests are extremely reasonable."

Rossi and Agostini pay Isle of Man TT visit

Italian greats take trip to historic road circuit event.

Two MotoGP greats made a visit to a legendary event this past weekend, as reigning premier class World Champion Valentino Rossi and racing legend Giacomo Agostini made a pilgrimage to the Isle of Man Tourist Trophy.

The two Italian stars watched the event’s Superbike race at the ‘Ago’s Leap’ section of the sweeping road circuit named after Agostini, and headed onto the podium to present awards to the top trio of John McGuinness, Steve Plater and Guy Martin.

An historic first took place on Monday, as Rossi undertook his first ever lap of the circuit. Joined by Agostini and safety marshalls, he swung his leg over a standard issue Yamaha R1 adorned with his typical cartoonish decoration to experience first hand the feeling of road track riding. Originally scheduled for Saturday, the lap was postponed due to bad weather.

“I give big respect to the riders who are competing today. I have always followed the TT and have watched a mountain of DVDs, but watching it live is another thing altogether!” said the Fiat Yamaha rider in conversation with protective gear suppliers Dainese, who organised his attendance at the event.

“The way that these guys pass each other at a high speed is incredible!” said the man renowned for his own daring passes in the premier class.

Dainese held a press conference on riding safety at the Isle of Man TT, during which Rossi talked about the D-Tec airbag system that is being developed with his input.

Also present at the Isle of Man TT was British 125cc star Bradley Smith, the current leader of the lower cylinder category World Championship. He took his own tour of the track by car, in a Jaguar driven by ex-TT entrant Richard ‘Milky’ Quayle.

Lorenzo relieved after difficult Sunday at round five

Being off the pace in a wet morning warm up, crashing on the sighting lap and having a nightmare start in the race, Jorge Lorenzo did well to fight back and take second place in Italy.

Initially wary of overconfidence after qualifying in first place at the Gran Premio d’Italia Alice on Sunday, having crashed out from pole in Jerez at round three, it was in fact a lack of confidence that briefly became an issue for Jorge Lorenzo at Mugello.

He lapped 13th on the timesheet on a wet track in the morning, crashed on the sighting lap before the race and was overtaken by several riders on the grid once the action commenced in Italy, before using all of his resources to battle his way back for a brilliant podium finish in second place.

Few riders cross the finishing line at Mugello ahead of Valentino Rossi in the premier class, but Lorenzo managed that despite his ‘shocking’ Sunday, only missing out on a third victory of the year by one second behind Casey Stoner.

“There were so many things happening and it was a crazy race,” Lorenzo admitted. “After the warm up I was so worried because I didn’t have a good feeling to go fast in the wet, but then I was even more worried after the crash in the sighting lap because I thought I might have to start last. I got a really bad start because my rear tyre was sliding so much and then I hardly remember anything because the race was like a film.”

Lorenzo was grateful to his team for their endeavours in quickly fixing his first bike and getting it ready for the swap mid-race, saying, “I have to say the biggest thank you to my guys today for getting the damaged bike ready in such a short time; it was a brilliant job and after I swapped everything changed. From then on I had a great rhythm and I was able to stay on fighting to the end and take this second place. It’s a really amazing result because things could have been much worse today, so thank you again to everyone for making it possible. I’m really happy with this result.”

Rossi just pleased to be on podium

Having never had great success before in flag-to-flag races and having crashed at Le Mans just after swapping bikes in the French wet-dry contest, Valentino Rossi was pleased with his relatively smooth showing at the Gran Premio d’Italia Alice on Sunday.

His remarkable winning run in front of his adoring Italian public logically had to come to an end at some stage and he was simply content to be on the podium alongside race-winner Casey Stoner and Fiat Yamaha colleague Jorge Lorenzo, as the three continue to jostle for supremacy in the 2009 title race.

Explaining how his race had panned out at Mugello, the World Champion said, “I have never been able to take a podium in one of these types of races before so it is the first time I have done it when we have had to change the bike. It was a good race for me especially as we found a good wet setting in just 20 minutes of warm up and I was strong in the first part.”

“I made a good decision on when to come in and change this time but unfortunately we decided to go with the harder front tyre for the second part of the race and that was a disadvantage for me, especially at the beginning. I was slow in the first two laps on slicks and I was thinking about the Le Mans crash. The front choice wasn’t right and even though I found a good pace it wasn’t enough to win.”

On avoiding allowing himself to be disappointed at the end of a sensational period of home dominance Rossi commented, “After seven victories in a row here it was just important to get on the podium for all the fans. The podium here in Mugello is always a great party and a great emotion even if we are not on the top step. The championship is very close, with the three of us separated by less than ten points, but it will be a long fight and we will try again in Barcelona next time out.”

source :www.motogp.com

FINAL LIGA CHAMPIONS : FIXTURES MINUTE-BY-MINUTE

Kevin Ashby, Reporter, Stadio Olimpico: Welcome to the Stadio Olimpico for the final of the UEFA Champions League between FC Barcelona and Manchester United FC. Holders Manchester United are on a record-breaking 25-match unbeaten run in the competition and are aiming to capture their fourth European Champion Clubs' Cup – and, with it, become the first team to retain the trophy in the UEFA Champions League era. But Barcelona have been devastating in front of goal this season and if anyone can stop Sir Alex Ferguson's side, it will be the top scorers in this season's competition.
	Kevin Ashby, Reporter, Stadio Olimpico: The team selections are in and there are no surprises in either lineup. Gerard Piqué and Yaya Touré will play at the heart of the Barcelona defence while suspensions for Eric Abidal and Daniel Alves means the full-back positions are taken by Carles Puyol and Sylvinho. Sergio Busquets replaces Touré in the holding midfield role, behind Andrés Iniesta and Xavi Hernández. The three-pronged attack is back with Thierry Henry fit to play alongside Samuel Eto'o and Lionel Messi.
	Kevin Ashby, Reporter, Stadio Olimpico: Rio Ferdinand has made the starting XI for Sir Alex Ferguson's side despite not having played since the semi-final second-leg victory at Arsenal FC while, as the manager promised, John O'Shea plays at right-back. The midfield trio will be Michael Carrick, Anderson and the evergreen Ryan Giggs while Ji-Sung Park and Wayne Rooney will support Cristiano Ronaldo up front.
	Kevin Ashby, Reporter, Stadio Olimpico: With 20 minutes to go until kick-off the Olimpico is almost full. Barcelona have finished their pre-match warm-up and Guardiola will be running through his final plans in the dressing room now. Ronaldo has just scored a screamer for United as they wind down before heading in.
	Kevin Ashby, Reporter, Stadio Olimpico: The opening ceremony is well under way, adding to the atmosphere at the stadium which looks fantastic now it is full. UEFA President Michel Platini is watching on, with Prince William of Wales and the King of Spain sat alongside him.
	Kevin Ashby, Reporter, Stadio Olimpico: Italian opera singer Andrea Bocelli has just finished entertaining the crowd as the trophy was carried on to the pitch by a Roman Goddess dressed all in gold. Two nights ago he sang at the Colosseum in a benefit concert to help victims of last month’s earthquake in Italy.
	The match is under way.
1	Touré (Barcelona) commits a foul after challenging Anderson (Man. United).
2	Cristiano Ronaldo (Man. United) delivers the free-kick on target.
2	Park (Man. United) misses the target.
2	Víctor Valdés (Barcelona) makes a save. United get a free-kick 30 metres from goal in the first minute. Cristiano Ronaldo does not disappoint as his effort is spilled by Víctor Valdés, but Gerard Piqué is on hand to clear from the onrushing United forwards.
2	Giggs (Man. United) takes the corner.
2	Rooney (Man. United) misses the target.
6	United have settled the better with Ronaldo looking up for this game. Barcelona's front three are already switching positions as they look to get into the game.
7	Cristiano Ronaldo (Man. United) misses the target. Ronaldo goes for goal from even further out this time, at least 40 metres, but his power is not matched by accuracy.
8	Henry (Barcelona) gives away a free-kick following a challenge on Carrick (Man. United).
9	Cristiano Ronaldo (Man. United) misses the target. Ronaldo's in the thick of it again, receiving the ball on the edge of the area and firing just wide of the far post. Worrying times for Pep Guardiola.
10	(1 - 0) Eto'o (Barcelona) scores! Barcelona's first moment of note and they take the lead. Andrés Iniesta surges forwards and feeds Samuel Eto'o. The strikes cuts in from the right, clips the ball through the legs of Nemanja Vidić and fires under the body of of Edwin van der Sar. It's his fourth UEFA Champions League goal this season.
11	Xavi Hernández (Barcelona) delivers the corner.
14	Giggs (Man. United) is flagged for offside.
15	A great opening 15 minutes to the final, with Cristiano Ronaldo having three efforts on goal before Samuel Eto'o broke the deadlock. The Cameroonian also found the net when Barcelona defeated Arsenal in the 2006 final - only Real Madrid's Raúl González has scored in two finals in the UEFA Champions League era.
16	Piqué (Barcelona) fouls.
16	Piqué (Barcelona) is cautioned by the referee. The first booking of the game as Gerard Piqué brings down Cristiano Ronaldo on the counterattack.
17	Giggs (Man. United) delivers the free-kick wide. Ryan Giggs cannot keep the resulting free-kick down and his strikes flies over the bar from 20 metres.
19	Messi (Barcelona) misses the target. Lionel Messi has his first say in the contest. United do not close him down and his ferocious drive is just over from the edge of the area.
20	Cristiano Ronaldo (Man. United) misses the target. Ronaldo is quick to respond to Messi in the battle between the two top players in the world. His raking effort misses the far post, though.
22	Giggs (Man. United) takes the corner.
23	Cristiano Ronaldo (Man. United) misses the target. Cristiano Ronaldo is shooting at every opportunity but as yet has not managed to catch one right in open play.
24	Evra (Man. United) commits a foul after challenging Eto'o (Barcelona).
26	Anderson (Man. United) gives away a free-kick following a challenge on Iniesta (Barcelona).
27	Xavi Hernández (Barcelona) delivers the free-kick wide. Another free-kick that does not miss the target by much, Xavi Hernández curling one wide of the upright from 28 metres.
28	Carrick (Man. United) fouls.
30	United are struggling to contain Barcelona's rat-a-tat passing, meaning the holders' midfield three are doing plenty of chasing. 'Olé, Olé, Football Club Barcelona' rings out from the Curva Sud.
33	With a third of the game played, United have had eight shots – six of them by Cristiano Ronaldo – to Barça’s three but the crucial statistic reads 1-0 to the Spanish champions. Distances covered are similar: 33505 metres by Barcelona players; 32386 by those in white.
35	Xavi Hernández (Barcelona) delivers the corner.
35	Xavi Hernández (Barcelona) takes the corner.
37	Iniesta (Barcelona) has a shot blocked.
37	Barcelona force a couple of corners with Carles Puyol becoming influential with a few bursts down the right flank but United are too strong in the air to be troubled by either set-piece.
40	At the moment, Cristiano Ronaldo is the only threat for United. Ji-Sung Park and Wayne Rooney are struggling to make an impact.
40	Rooney (Man. United) is adjudged to be in an offside position.
43	Ryan Giggs has moved to the left-hand side with Wayne Rooney pushed further forwards as Sir Alex Ferguson looks to tinker with his team before the break.
45+1	Barcelona goalkeeper Víctor Valdés looks to be struggling with a thigh problem, suffered early in the game when he raced from goal to deny Ji-Sung Park near the corner of his area. The physios will have to look at that at half-time, although there's no sign of his deputy José Pinto warming up.
	The referee blows for half-time.
	The half-time whistle blows after a fascinating first half and it is the Spanish side leading thanks to Samuel Eto'o's tenth-minute goal. Josep Guardiola's side were slow starters but they made no mistake with their first chance of the game. United have been relying on Cristiano Ronaldo for most of their efforts but since his early free-kick forced Víctor Valdés into a save, the Portuguese has failaed to test the goalkeeper with four efforts. Nevertheless, neither coach will be completely satisfied at the interval and there will be plenty to discuss in the dressing rooms.
	Unsurprisingly, Xavi Hernández made the most successful passes in the first half, 34 of his 37 passes have found their man. The Spanish international has also covered more ground than any other player, 5742m, followed by Michael Carrick on 5332m – much of them chasing the Barcelona No6.
	The second half begins.
46	Tévez (in) - Anderson (out) (Man. United) United have wasted no time in looking to shake things up at the start of the second half. Carlos Tévez comes on in place of Anderson and will take his place in the front trident, Ji-Sung Park dropping back into the midfield three one suspects.
48	Henry (Barcelona) has an effort on goal.
48	Van der Sar (Man. United) makes a save. Barcelona create a similar chance to the one they opened the scoring from as Thierry Henry was released down the left flank and left Rio Ferdinand sprawling in the area, only for Edwin van der Sar to save from the French striker.
50	Messi (Barcelona) is flagged for offside.
51	Tévez (Man. United) commits a foul after challenging Iniesta (Barcelona).
51	United may have made the substitution but it is Barcelona doing most of the attacking early in the second half. They are benefiting from the greater space in the midfield and United need to ride this storm.
53	Xavi Hernández (Barcelona) hits the post on free-kick. Andrés Iniesta has looked a class apart at the start of this half and he wins a free-kick that almost provides the second goal. The strike from Xavi Hernández bends around the wall and strikes the foot of the post.
57	O'Shea (Man. United) gives away a free-kick following a challenge on Henry (Barcelona).
57	United dominated the opening stages of the first half only to be opened up on the counterattack. The Catalans have started really well this half but must be worried that history could repeat itself, Cristiano Ronaldo's cross just missing two United players in front of goal.
58	Cristiano Ronaldo (Man. United) is adjudged to be in an offside position.
59	Busquets (Barcelona) fouls.
59	Cristiano Ronaldo (Man. United) is flagged for offside.
60	Paul Scholes, who scored the winning goal when these sides met in last season's semi-final, has been sent out to warm up along with Dimitar Berbatov and Jonny Evans. Too many United players are on the periphery at the moment as they cannot get hold of the ball. Josep Guardiola will be delighted with what he's watching - although not as delighted as he would have been had Xavi Hernández's free-kick not struck the post.
61	Henry (Barcelona) commits a foul after challenging Ferdinand (Man. United).
63	Giggs (Man. United) delivers the corner.
63	Josep Guardiola has spent much of the second half prowling the huge technical area in front of his dugout, although it is assistant Mike Phelan and not Sir Alex Ferguson who is out urging the United players on. The English champions look to be missing the leggy influence of the suspended Darren Fletcher but are slowly putting together a period of possession.
66	Henry (Barcelona) has an effort on goal.
66	Van der Sar (Man. United) makes a save. Thierry Henry twists and turns on the left but his low near-post shot was never going to beat Edwin van der Sar.
66	Eto'o (Barcelona) gives away a free-kick following a challenge on Carrick (Man. United).
66	Berbatov (in) - Park (out) (Man. United) Sir Alex Ferguson's first change did not have the desired effect and the United manager will be hoping his second, Dimitar Berbatov for Ji-Sung Park, will have more of an impact.
67	Cristiano Ronaldo (Man. United) fouls.
69	Giggs (Man. United) takes the corner.
69	United are basically playing with four up front now despite the fact there are 20 minutes remaining. It should make for a remarkably open finish to this contest.
70	(2 - 0) Messi (Barcelona) scores! Lionel Messi had not found the net in ten games against English opponents in the competition and that was a statistic that was never going to last. The little magician peels to the back post and Xavi Hernández picks out his only target with a curling cross, the Argentinian heading back across goal and over Edwin van der Sar.
71	Incredible scenes in the Barcelona end, the fans rising to acclaim Lionel Messi after the Argentinian nodded them into a 2-0 lead. Only seconds before they had been united in singing his name in recognition of the increasing influence he's having on the game.
72	Keita (in) - Henry (out) (Barcelona) Josep Guardiola quickly looks to stabilise after the second goal with Seydou Keita adding to their numbers in midfield.
72	Giggs (Man. United) has a shot blocked.
72	Cristiano Ronaldo (Man. United) has an effort on goal.
72	Víctor Valdés (Barcelona) makes a save. What a chance for United as a cross is scuffed by Ryan Giggs with the goal at his mercy and then Cristiano Ronaldo is denied by Víctor Valdés.
72	Giggs (Man. United) delivers the corner.
72	Berbatov (Man. United) misses the target.
74	Cristiano Ronaldo (Man. United) commits a foul after challenging Puyol (Barcelona).
74	Puyol (Barcelona) has an effort on goal.
74	Van der Sar (Man. United) makes a save. Carles Puyol rises highest but can only head a presentable chance straight at Edwin van der Sar.
75	Scholes (in) - Giggs (out) (Man. United) The last throw of the dice from Sir Alex Ferguson as the midfield goal threat of Paul Scholes comes on for Ryan Giggs.
78	Eto'o (Barcelona) is adjudged to be in an offside position.
78	Cristiano Ronaldo (Man. United) gives away a free-kick following a challenge on Puyol (Barcelona).
78	Cristiano Ronaldo (Man. United) is shown a yellow card. Cristiano Ronaldo has become increasingly frustrated in this half and he gets booked for fouling Carles Puyol as he shepherds a ball out of play.
80	Iniesta (Barcelona) has an effort on goal.
80	Van der Sar (Man. United) makes a save. The outstanding Andrés Iniesta cuts in from the left but his curled near-post strike is saved above his head by Edwin van der Sar.
80	Scholes (Man. United) is booked. The combative Paul Scholes is quickly into the fray but is booked for a hard tackle as Barcelona look to break again.
83	Barcelona are looking extremely confident now and their makeshift defence has stood up to United's attack much better than many expected.
83	Evra (Man. United) fouls.
85	Puyol (Barcelona) has an effort on goal.
85	Van der Sar (Man. United) makes a save. Barcelona are stroking the ball around nonchalently now and they almost work a third goal as Carles Puyol storms into the area but cannot clip his finish over Edwin van der Sar.
85	Rooney (Man. United) is flagged for offside.
86	Rooney (Man. United) takes the corner.
87	Rooney (Man. United) delivers the corner.
87	Berbatov (Man. United) misses the target. Dimitar Berbatov has a free header from that corner but can only head over. Could the chance to haul United back into the game just have gone?
89	The Barcelona fans are chanting their team's name now as they close in on another European title. There will be few who would argue they do not deserve it as the Catalan faithful start waving their scarves about their heads.
90	Three minutes will be added on and surely that will not be enough for United.
90	Eto'o (Barcelona) commits a foul after challenging Vidić (Man. United).
90+1	Iniesta (Barcelona) takes the corner.
90+2	Pedro Rodríguez (in) - Iniesta (out) (Barcelona) Josep Guardiola looks to eat up some time as the superb Andrés Iniesta is replaced by Pedro Rodríguez.
90+3	Vidić (Man. United) gives away a free-kick following a challenge on Messi (Barcelona).
90+3	Vidić (Man. United) is cautioned by the referee. Nemanja Vidić brings down Lionel Messi to become the fourth player booked on the night.
	The final whistle is blown. United's 25-game unbeaten run in the competition is over and they become the fourth team since the UEFA Champions League came into existence to reach the final as they looked to retain their trophy only to fall at the final hurdle. Samuel Eto'o's early goal gave Barcelona the belief and, as United threw on more attacking players after the interval, the Spanish side kept possession better and eventually added the second goal through their talisman Lionel Messi. The triumph is the third by Barcelona in Europe's premier club competition and ends a remarkable season in which they also completed the double domestically.
	The Barcelona players are clearly delighted as they receive their winners' medals from UEFA President Michel Platini and gather round the UEFA Champions League trophy. Carles Puyol eventually steps forward and raises the trophy to a ticker-tape reception. It is a fitting tribute to a side who have dazzled this season on all fronts, scoring 104 league goals and 32 in 13 matches from the group stage onwards in this competition.

Please note that all information is provisional until verified by the relevant match officials

Finale Result : IT'S AMAZING COACH OF THE YEAR!!

Josep Guardiola could barely contain his delight as he was applauded both in and out of the news conference that followed FC Barcelona's 2-0 defeat of Manchester United FC in the UEFA Champions League final. "We're not the best team in Barça history but we've had the best season," he said of his treble winners. Although Sir Alex Ferguson "expected better" from the holders, he paid tribute to the victors' stylish football and admitted "the better team won".

Josep Guardiola, Barcelona coach
I'm leaving [the job] straight away tomorrow – I can't do anything to top this ... We're very happy, delirious. We're aware that we've done something magnificent. I'd like to congratulate the whole club and the fans. We're not the best team in Barça history but we've had the best season. We've won three trophies but it's also about how we've won them. As a player it was great to win this trophy for the first time. Now we have three which isn't as many as other clubs but we're getting closer to a select group of mythical teams. I've said many times that we're fortunate to have the legacy of Johan Cruyff and Charlie Rexach. They were the fathers and we've followed them.

At the beginning of the game we didn't expect Manchester United to press so high. They caused us problems and we have to admit they had a great chance to score from Cristiano Ronaldo's free-kick [in the second minute]. We scored with our first chance and then tried to move the ball inside. In the semi-final last year we noticed Messi had problems with Evra so we decided to move Leo from out wide to have one more player in midfield. He's the best right now and has written his name on the Ballon d'Or. Messi has a real talent and will never hide – when the going gets tough he really gets going.

I have to process my emotions now as we've done something wonderful. We're not a tall side and have defended without a few regular players but we attacked and defended well against the best team in the world. Give me a few days to rest and then I'll tell you how I'm going to tackle next year. I just want to play well and be back here again. You can play badly and still win, but if you are daring and attack you have a better chance of winning – there's nothing more dangerous than not taking a risk. You can enjoy a victory but with time you enjoy it even more. Tomorrow we will celebrate with Catalonia.

Sir Alex Ferguson, Manchester United manager
There's disappointment at the performance, and some individuals will feel that themselves. Our best performances this season have been when we've defended very well and tonight it was shoddy – the first goal in particular which gave them a great boost. We didn't plan to concede a goal as early as that. You have to give credit to a very good Barcelona team – the better team won. When they get in front of you they keep the ball, and after the opening goal all the midfielders closed in and kept possession, making it very difficult to get it back.

We've done well to get to a final but had to win it to change the pattern of teams defending the trophy. It was a big opportunity for us and with our players I expected better, but we couldn't recover from losing the first goal. We knew before the game what a good footballing team they are. Last year we had no difficulty defending against them, tonight we did after the first goal as Messi dropped into midfield and made it difficult for us. They have to be one of the best teams we've played, at what they do. They have fantastic possession of the ball and credit to them as they pursue their philosophy and don't change.

I've been quite pleased with the maturity of the team. Tonight the disappointment was the use of the ball when we had possession. We had to wait minutes to get it back and when we did we weren't good enough. It could be an off night, or could be that we found the mountain too big to climb after being a goal down. It's a great achievement in [Guardiola's] first year as coach so well done ... fantastic. All his players want to play, keep the ball, and enjoy their football, so all credit to him.

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Finale Result : Stylish Barcelona take United's crown

FC Barcelona were crowned European champions for a third time – and the second in four seasons – as a vibrant display of pass and move, capped by goals in either half from Samuel Eto'o and Lionel Messi, defeated Manchester United FC in Rome.

Holders toppled
United, bidding to become the first team to successfully defend the trophy in the UEFA Champions League era, began an open contest at breakneck speed as Cristiano Ronaldo threatened three times. After ten minutes, however, Eto'o put the Spanish champions ahead and they never looked back. Xavi Hernández struck a post early in the second period and, though the clinching second goal did not arrive until the 70th minute – via, unusually, the head of Messi – Josep Guardiola's side were worthy winners. The 38-year-old becomes the sixth man to lift the European Champion Clubs' Cup as player and coach; United are the sixth club to lose the final as holders.

Relentless Ronaldo
Fourteen of the players who started the game had featured in a UEFA Champions League final before, yet initially it seemed United's experience would prove more telling. Ronaldo made his presence felt by unleashing a dipping free-kick that Víctor Valdés could only parry; former United defender Gerard Piqué's last-ditch tackle prevented Ji-Sung Park from converting the rebound. Ronaldo then had Valdés scrambling across goal twice in as many minutes with shots from distance. If an early breakthrough looked imminent, disastrously for United it arrived when Barcelona struck with their first real attack.

Eto'o brilliance
Fit-again Andrés Iniesta was the orchestrator, finding Eto'o inside the area, but there was still plenty for the striker to do with Nemanja Vidić in close attendance. One swift turn inside the centre-back later, Eto'o was free to prod a shot inside Edwin van der Sar's near post. United's vocal supporters were stunned into silence and their team mirrored that reaction, with Barcelona enjoying the better of the half thereafter. Perhaps not surprisingly against the competition's best defence, however, clear chances were at a premium. Long-range efforts from Messi and Xavi, and a low Messi cross fumbled by Van der Sar, were the best Barça could muster.

United reprieves
Sir Alex Ferguson had said beforehand that his best team-talks "usually come to me about three in the morning" and the Scot sorely needed inspiration in his half-time instructions, opting to introduce Carlos Tévez for Anderson. This did little to stem the tide. Thierry Henry tricked his way past Rio Ferdinand only to shoot weakly against Van der Sar before Xavi curled a free-kick beyond the keeper, the post coming to United's rescue. Then Wayne Rooney's right-wing centre bounced over Park's lunge as the holders began to edge their way back into proceedings, disrupting Barcelona's rhythm though creating little of their own.

Messi decisive
Twenty minutes from time, that hard work was undone. Xavi was allowed to advance down the right; with time and space, the midfielder measured a pinpoint cross for Messi, enjoying similar freedom, and the UEFA Champions League's top scorer produced a fabulous header for his ninth goal of this campaign. Valdés promptly denied Ronaldo to preserve the two-goal cushion, yet the better openings continued to come at the other end – Van der Sar frustrating Carles Puyol twice and Iniesta. Sir Alex therefore missed out on joining Bob Paisley as the only manager to lift three European Cups. Instead, Guardiola's superbly inventive Barça became the first Spanish side to win league, cup and UEFA Champions League in the same season.

©uefa.com 1998-2009. All rights reserved.