Three’s the charm: Barcelona the kings of Europe

Catalans become first team to win two trebles as they land fifth European crown

BERLIN:

Luis Suarez and Neymar scored second-half goals to give Barcelona a 3-1 Champions League final victory over Juventus on Saturday as the Spaniards became the first team to win the European treble twice.

Luis Enrique capped his first season as Barcelona’s head coach by matching Pep Guardiola’s feat from the 2008-09 season when the Catalans captured the European, Spanish league and cup titles.

An early goal by Barca’s Ivan Rakitic was cancelled out by Juventus’ ex-Real Madrid striker Alvaro Morata, who equalised on 55 minutes.

But Suarez put the game beyond the Italian champions with a 68th minute strike off a rebound at Berlin’s Olympic Stadium, and Neymar added a third with the last kick of the game in the 97th minute.



Juventus suffered the indignation of becoming the first team to lose six European Cup finals, 30 years after winning the trophy for the first time amidst the tragedy of the Heysel Stadium disaster.

For Suarez it was a triumphant end to a first season with the Spanish champions after his ignominious biting ban at the World Cup. “It’s incredible, it’s something unique. To win these trophies you have to suffer,” he said. “The best thing about this side is the spirit and the fact we’ve been united since the start of the season.”

In 2009 Barcelona joined the elite club of treble winners that include Celtic, Ajax, PSV Eindhoven, Manchester United, Inter Milan and Bayern Munich. Now, they are the first to do so twice.

“I’m lost for words. It’s spectacular to win three trophies in a season again,” said Barcelona captain Andreas Iniesta, who was replaced by Xavi and was part of the 2009 treble-winning team. “I think there’s not enough words to express how proud we are. Both trebles are special. The first time you think you’ll never do it again, and yet we have. It’s a proud day for Barca.”



Despite brief moments of magic, Lionel Messi failed to become the first player to score in three Champions League finals.

In the end Barcelona’s star quality proved too much for Juve but they end the season with their heads held high. “Unfortunately when you play against great players, you think you have things under control, then they can turn the game, as it happened tonight,” said Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri. “We’re sorry to have missed our chance, but I can’t criticise the team.” 

Published in The Express Tribune, June 8^th,  2015.

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