On the second goal , ManU’s left side failed twice. Once before the video starts, when a flowing move was killed by a poor pass, and then again when Evra’s cleared all of 15 feet to the Barca player. Rio tooka gamble (you see him glance over his shoulder at Messi) and it bit him big time. Great cross, great finish.

Barca were the better side for a lot of the game, thanks to ManU’s wasteful passing especially after the first goal where they were shocked to be behind. What we lacked in midfield could not be made up for in defence, and they looked under the pace, except maybe O Shea who kept Henry quiet.

I have to say that Berbatov was great in his short stint. Coming back to collect balls from midfield, maintaining possession, and hitting incisive and accurate passes. More than could be said for Tevez who’s “chase you down” tactics were not of any use against a team with so many good ball distributors, and he barely got a sniff in when turning and running into traffic.

For me, Puyol was strong but not impressive (and is an incredibly whiney diver for a supposed captain and leader), with Ronaldo being kept out of the game after a blistering start by their midfield rather than their backs. But I was impressed by their left side combination (Sylvinho and ?) who really did shut dwn the Channel to Rooney for most of the match.

Barca were strong, Machester were below par, and the best team on the day definitely won.