By Shaun Orange

English champions Manchester United were startled by a brilliant performance by Spanish giants, Barcelona, who claimed the Champions League trophy in a 2-0 win in Rome.

While Alex Ferguson’s men were outplayed in an entertaining encounter by a composed Barcelona line up, this resulted in the Old Trafford side being stripped of Europe’s top prize.

Notwithstanding United’s domineering reign throughout their campaign, the Red Devils were dealt an early shocker from Barcelona’s Samuel Eto'o, when he put his team up in the 10^th minute.

With Barcelona’s ability to hold on to the ball, getting back into contention for the United side was not going to be an easy task.

With United on the back foot, frustration looming, and an emphatic showing of football by Pep Guardiola’s squad, things were not looking good for them.

It only took Messi, in the 70^th minute to head home what would be the decisive factor in the game, with United unable to gain any substantial ground to their recovery.

United lost to a radiant Barcelona side that was on a mission, went out there and played some captivating football. Their resilience together with some brilliant football was by any standards a performance that was worthy of a victory.

Pep Guardiola’s side were able to click as a unit, and displays from the likes of Iniesta and Xavi were outstanding and ones to be reckoned with. They played a pivotal role in ensuring the ruling out of the much supported English side.

Alex Ferguson and his side have been on a serious run of successes this season and were really going all out in their efforts to attaining as much silverware as possible, however Wednesday’s tie was really a let down for them.

Going into the grand finale, Manchester United were deemed by many to come out on top over the potent Spanish club.

For Ferguson’s part, this is a great disappointment for the Scot, as this competition is meant to be his forte. Throughout the season, on many occasions while playing in other competitions, Ferguson continually insinuated the importance of the Champions League, and this was important for him and the club.

As for the rivalry between Portuguese striker Cristiano Ronaldo and the Argentine winger Lionel Messi, I think the result speaks for itself. Ronaldo, for his part did not emanate true sportsmanship, as frustration got the better of him.

Ferguson knew it was going to be an action packed final, but I don’t think he thought it was going to be action packed with United not in favour.

With United not accustomed to losing, this final would have undoubtedly left a bitter taste in both Ferguson’s and the players’ mouths.