Player ratings from Barcelona’s 3-1 win over Manchester United in the Champions League final at Wembley on Saturday.
BARCELONA: Victor Valdes, 7 – The Spanish goalkeeper could do nothing about Wayne Rooney’s sublime equaliser and was rarely tested after that.
Dani Alves, 7 – After being pushed back by Park Ji-Sung in the opening minutes, the Brazilian right-back was able to influence play with his forceful runs.
Gerard Pique, 8 – The former Manchester United defender gave an imperious display to blot out Javier Hernandez and kept Rooney at bay.
Javier Mascherano, 7 – Picked ahead of Carles Puyol in a selection surprise, the Argentine midfielder gave a composed showing in an unnatural position.
Eric Abidal, 8 – Just weeks after surgery for liver cancer, the French left-back completed an emotional season by completely shutting down Antonio Valencia.
Sergio Busquets, 7 – A no-frills display from the Spanish midfielder but he was effective enough at breaking up play.
Xavi, 8 – The Spanish midfielder, installed as acting captain in the absence of Carles Puyol, provided the assist for Pedro’s opener with a sublime pass with the outside of his foot. Andres Iniesta, 7 – Not the most influential performance from the Spanish playmaker but he kept the ball moving well enough to frustrate United.
Lionel Messi, 9 – The Argentina forward ascended to the ranks of the immortals with a magnificent display. Put Barca back in front with a low strike in the 54th minute and helped set up their third goal.
David Villa, 8 – The livewire striker put the seal of Barca’s victory with a brilliant curling goal from the edge of the area in the 68th minute.
Pedro, 7 – One of Barca’s lesser lights took centre-stage as he opened the scoring in the 27th minute with a cool finish after a perfectly timed run onto Xavi’s pass.
Substitutes: Seydou Keita, 6 – Brought on to shut up shop and the midfielder did the job effectively.
Carles Puyol, 5 – A touching moment for the club captain as he came on for the final minutes.
Ibrahim Affellay, 5 – Given just a few moments in the closing stages.
MANCHESTER UNITED: Edwin Van der Sar, 6 – The 40-year-old goalkeeper’s final match before retirement ended in bitter disappointment as he was beaten by Messi’s low shot when he could have done better.
Fabio da Silva, 6 – Selected ahead of his twin brother Rafael at right-back, the Brazilian stuck to his task well but couldn’t deal with Barca’s movement.
Rio Ferdinand, 6 – The England defender spent most of the match pinned on the edge of his penalty area trying to keep Barca at bay.
Nemanja Vidic, 7 – A solid display by United’s captain for the most part, but Barca’s relentless attacks eventually overwhelmed the Serbian defender.
Patrice Evra, 6 – Not one of the French left-back’s better days but many defenders could say that after facing Barca.
Antonio Valencia, 5 – Regarded as a major threat to Pep Guardiola’s team, the winger failed to produce.
Michael Carrick, 5 – Not for the first time against Barca, the England midfielder found it impossible to make any impact and was replaced in the second half.
Ryan Giggs, 5 – After a traumatic week for the Welshman following allegations about his private life, this was a disappointingly subdued display.
Park Ji-Sung, 7 – The South Korean set the tempo for United in the first half with some crunching tackles and typically tenacious harrying.
Wayne Rooney, 7 – The England forward has sometimes flopped on the big occasion but there could be no complaints this time as he equalised for United in the 34th minute with a superb strike.
Javier Hernandez, 5 – After a sensational first season at United, this was a match too far for the Mexican striker, who rarely troubled Barca in a nervous display.
Substitutes: Paul Scholes, 5 – The veteran midfielder had little opportunity to make his influence tell in the closing stages.
Nani, 5 – The Portgual winger came to get United back into the match but was easily beaten by Messi in the build-up to Barca’s decisive third goal.
