Barcelona won their fifth European Cup/Champions League crown after defeating Juventus 3-1 in a mouth-watering final clash.
Goals from Rakitic, Suarez and Neymar ensured Barca secure their fourth title in ten years and also completed a historic treble for the Catalans. FlyBarca rates the Barcelona players who were all on top of their games throughout the tie.
Player Rating – Juventus 1-3 Barcelona.
Marc-Andre ter Stegen – 7.0
Had an easy first half until the dying stages when Marchisio forced a save from him. In the 2nd half he brilliantly saved Tevez’s powerful shot but could do nothing to stop Morata’s rebound. Was shaky and nearly gave Juve another goal but kept his composure in the dying stages and pulled off some good saves. Ter Stegen became the youngest ever goalkeeper to win the UCL.
Dani Alves – 7.5
Could have gotten his name on the scoresheet but was denied by a magnificent save by Buffon in the first half. Gave Morata too much space to tap home the equaliser. Was great throughout the game and he will be missed if he leaves this summer.
Gerard Pique – 7.5
Was solid at the back once again with decisive clearances and powerful blocks. Moved too fast thus giving Tevez much space and time to fire a shot that led to the equaliser. Wasted a great chance to kill the game with few minutes left to play. Defensively, he was spot on.
Javier Mascherano – 7.0
Was obviously nervous in the early stages which saw him give away a cheap corner, before he was outsprinted by Morata as Juventus carved open a chance. Later regained his usual composure and tough-tackling prowess. Didn’t leave the back at any time. Great performance.
Jordi Alba – 7.0
Got forward regularly as usual to help Barca break Juve’s organised defence. Was impressive both defensively and in attack. Had a hand in the first goal.
Sergio Busquets – 7.5
Busi‘s highlight of the game was when he skillfully tricked Arturo Vidal with a lovely drag-back to force the Chilean into committing a foul that got him a yellow card. Lost pace after Juve equalised but came back to life in the dying stages.
Ivan Rakitic – 8.0
Scored the opening goal of the game on the 4th minute. Rakitic Was Barca’s toughest tackling midfielder but was shut-out when Juve controlled the game. Almost got an assist after producing a delightful cushioned volley pass to give Pique a good chance which the defender squandered.
Andres Iniesta – 9.5 – Man Of The Match
Iniesta‘s best performance this season. He supplied the assist cleverly for Rakitic to score the opener marauding in Juve’s area. Another wonderful pass nearly created a chance of Suarez. Was absolutely excellent. Didn’t finish the game though, was withdrawn for Xavi.
Lionel Messi – 8.5
Although Messi wasn’t at his best but he had a hand in all three Barca goals. First, he laid a trademark wonderful curling pass for Jordi Alba in the build up to the first goal. Then a beautiful run with the ball from midfield saw him create space for himself before firing a powerful shot which Buffon saved only for Suarez to fire home the rebound. Started the counter attack for the third goal. Was marked tightly by Juve but still made an impact.
Luis Suarez – 8.5
Was quiet in the first half. Almost scored later on with a strike that went just inches past the left upright. Was denied by Buffon moments later but went on to beat the Italian shot-stopper to score a crucial second for Barca.
Neymar – 9.0
Neymar caused Juve lots of problems and a wonderful incisive pass to Iniesta was crucial to the first goal. Had a goal ruled out for handball, after he headed it onto his own hand and past Buffon. Scored the third on 97 minutes to wrap up the game. Levelled on 10 goals with Messi and Ronaldo as top scorer. Deserved for his efforts.
SUBSTITUTIONS
Xavi – 7.0
Came on for Iniesta as the game progressed and still – Xavi was Xavi. Barca will miss him next season.
Mathieu – 6.0
A late substitute.
Pedro – 6.5
Came on late but set up Neymar’s goal.
Luis Enrique – 9.0
Got everything right with his tactics. Great coach!
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Match Report: Barca 3-1 Juve
