Connect with us

News

Barca are champions (see pics)

Published

on

Barcelona lifted the Champions League by beating Juventus 3-1 at the Olympiastadion in Berlin, Germany. Barcelona rode goals from Ivan Rakitic and Luis Suárez, and an injury-time clincher by Neymar Jr to claim the 2014/15 UEFA Champions League title on Saturday night at the

In a thrilling spectacle, and with both Barcelona and Juventus attempting to claim a treble after winning domestic league and cup competitions, it was Luis Enrique’s side that eventually came out on top.

Barcelona started as if they would romp to a comfortable victory when Ivan Rakitic capped the sort of passing move that has become their symbol to put them ahead inside five minutes.

Juventus, always a danger after ending notions of an “El Clasico” final by beating Real Madrid in the last four, showed fierce resilience and with veteran keeper Gianluigi Buffon defiant, held on for Alvaro Morata to scramble an equaliser before the hour.

Redemption time arrived for Suarez, the player who ended last summer’s World Cup in disgrace after biting Italy’s Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini, in the 68th minute when he showed a predator’s touch to pounce after Buffon failed to hold Lionel Messi’s shot.

Juventus could not mount another recovery and Brazil superstar Neymar wrapped up the win in what he described as the biggest match of his life with the final kick of the game.

The victory gives FC Barcelona their fourth Champions League title in the last 10 years — their fifth in team history — and an unprecedented second treble, adding a layer of reinforced concrete to the Catalans’ already rock-solid status as a dynasty for the ages.

barca_juv2

barca_juv3

barca_juv4

barca_juv5

barca_juv6

barca_juv7

barca_juv8

barca_juv9

barca_juv10

barca_juv11

barca_juv12

barca_juv13

barca_juv14

barca1

barca2

barca_juv19

barca_juv20

Ripples… without borders, without fears

Join the conversation

Opinions

Support Ripples Nigeria, hold up solutions journalism

Balanced, fearless journalism driven by data comes at huge financial costs.

As a media platform, we hold leadership accountable and will not trade the right to press freedom and free speech for a piece of cake.

If you like what we do, and are ready to uphold solutions journalism, kindly donate to the Ripples Nigeria cause.

Your support would help to ensure that citizens and institutions continue to have free access to credible and reliable information for societal development.

Donate Now