Wednesday’s Champion’s League final was supposed to settle once and for all this year, who was the world best football club. That was question was resoundingly answered in the first 25 minutes as Barcelona stormed out of the gates with it’s trademarked flair and sweet passing abilities to put the more heralded Manchester United club on there back foot, cruising through the first half with a 1-0 lead thanks to cheeky Samuel Eto goal, as well as some equally horrendous defensive positioning from Nemanja Vidić. Things looked bleak.

     Despite some emergency half time adjustments by Sir Alex Ferguson, brining on Carlos Tevez for the more defensive Anderson in midfield, the tide would not be turned. Manchester Untited seemed more then content to sit back and play behind the ball, playing directly into the hands of Barca, who had enough time with their possesion in the 2^nd half to open up some pre-celebration champagne before passing again and moving up the field time and time again. Further attempts by Ferguson to stem the overwhelming tide of Barca’s domination made little difference; Dimitar Berbatov’s introduction to match on 60 minutes did little more the push United slightly more up field. The end result of United attempts to find a equalizer was only to open more space for Messi who slotted home a beautiful  header with 20 minutes remaining putting the game out of reach.   It must be said that the real weakness in United’s play was there inability to hold possession, there passing was not of the caliber that brought home there 11^th domestic title this season. Messi, Henry, Xavi, and Iniesta (man of the match) completely dominated there United counter parts in this department.

      As the final seconds ticked off the clock, the title of the “world’s best football club” never looked more fitting to be bestowed upon Barcelona. All areas of there performance were master class; this is a squad that looks ready to hold on to their new and well deserved title for years to come. For many clubs aspiring to the same heights, it might be time to go back to drawing board. Barcelona F.C. isn’t going anywhere anytime soon on the world stage.