Luis Enrique’s Barcelona overcame a spirited Juventus in the Champions League final to etch their names into footballing history…
The victory was the fifth in the Catalan club’s history – their fourth since 2006. It means they get to keep the original European trophy as per tradition for five times winners.
It also makes them the first club to win the treble – the domestic league and cup double, plus the European Cup – twice in their history.
Pure joy. pic.twitter.com/TSFBTmHiWR
— AS USA (@English_AS) June 6, 2015
2006. 2009. 2011. 2015. That says a great deal I think.
— Graham Hunter (@BumperGraham) June 6, 2015
Ivan Rakitić’s early strike was cancelled out by Álvaro Morata’s equaliser shortly after half-time. Luis Suarez nabbed a vital second for Barca in the 68th minute, before Neymar made it safe with the final kick of the game.
The Brazilian’s glorious vein of goalscoring form in the latter stages of the tournament was both vital and unprecedented…
Neymar becomes the first ever player to score in both legs of quarterfinals, semis and final of #UCL #Juventus 1 #FCB 3
— Daniella Matar (@DaniellaMatar) June 6, 2015
But it was Andres Iniesta who was deemed the Man of the Match. He too made history by achieving the accolade…
Andres Iniesta has now won Man of the Match awards in the World Cup final, European Championships final and Champions League final.
— Daniel Storey (@danielstorey85) June 6, 2015
No player has recorded more assists in the Champions League this season than Andrés Iniesta (5). pic.twitter.com/20F4vEeXd8
— Squawka (@Squawka) June 6, 2015
But for many the night was a fitting farewell for Xavi, who himself broke a record for most Champions League games, notching up his 151st and last appearance…
Xavi:
World Cup 🏆
Champions Leagues 🏆🏆🏆🏆
La Ligas 🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆
Copas del Rey 🏆🏆🏆
Club World Cups 🏆🏆 pic.twitter.com/z6E4c0Y43c
— Eurosport (@eurosport) June 6, 2015
His fate was locked in stark contrast with that of another legend of the game. Andrea Pirlo had played what many believe to be his final game in elite European football…
One Juve player was applauding as Barça lifted the trophy. Needless to say it was Pirlo. Class act.
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) June 6, 2015
https://twitter.com/FCBarcelona_A7/status/607289015407017984
