Lionel Messi produced a Wembley masterclass as Barcelona beat Manchester United 3-1 within the Champions League remaining on at the present time in 2011 to change into European champions for a fourth time.
Pep Guardiola gained his second Champions League as Barca head coach in three years after a dominant efficiency from his facet.
They reached the ultimate after defeating El Clasico rivals Real Madrid 3-1 on combination within the final 4, with United sweeping apart Schalke 6-1 of their semi-final.
Guardiola’s facet outplayed United within the first half, having fun with 68 per cent possession and having 22 photographs, however have been nonetheless stage at half-time as Pedro’s opener was cancelled out by Wayne Rooney, who side-footed house from 15 yards after a one-two with Ryan Giggs.
Barca’s dominance continued after the break with Messi, who moments earlier had seen a shot cleared off the road by Patrice Evra, firing in a low shot from 25 yards.
Messi’s dribbling then prompted panic within the United defence and David Villa capitalised to whip a shot into the highest nook from simply outdoors the penalty space and safe Barcelona’s third Champions League title in six years.
Eric Abidal, who had undergone surgical procedure solely two months earlier to take away a tumour in his liver, was given the honour of sporting the captain’s armband in the course of the presentation ceremony and he was the primary participant to elevate the trophy.
After the match Guardiola hailed Messi as “the best player I have ever seen”, whereas United boss Sir Alex Ferguson mentioned: “In my time as manager it is the best team we have faced.”
