If you find any content to be bigoted, politically incorrect and / or offensive in any manner at any point in time, please exit this blog IMMEDIATELY . Subsequently, ERASE any memory of what you have read, seen, inferred etcetera.

A long overdue post-match review. The battle for the crown of Europe. A David and Goliath classic. Barcelona, which went into the game with a ravaged defence, seems befitting of the persona David. Meanwhile, Manchester United, the defending European champions, looks every part a Goliath. In terms of physique, Messi, Iniesta and Xavi are all in the mould of the bantam King of Israel. Conversely, Ferdinand and Vidic are intimidating giants at the heart of Manchester United's defence. On paper, it would seem that the European throne was Manchester United's to lose. However, the final told a very different story.

Initially, the signs seemed to point in Manchester United's favour. Ronaldo threatened with a thunderous freekick from 30 metres and another half-volley steering wide off the far post. Then, a goal came from out of the blue in the 10th minute. Iniesta teleported across Manchester United's midfield like a spaceship powered by anti-matter. He released Eto'o, who got Vidic on his knees with a facile cut back. To add salt to the wound, Van der Sar was beaten by a soft finish at his near post. After nabbing the early goal, Barcelona proceeded with Plan B: Keep possession and waste every second you can. Barcelona began to take their time with throw-ins and goal-kicks. Puyol rolled from one end of the pitch to the other end in agony at the slightest of touches. Messi was moved into midfield to further deprive Manchester United of the ball. The English titans were largely insignificant for the first half of the match.

After a predictable hairdryer treatment by Ferguson during the break, Manchester United seemed revitalized and raring to go. They started the second half with much more attacking intent and tested the nerves of Barcelona's shaky defenders.

It all bode well until the joke of the day. Xavi flighted the ball from the right on to the path of Messi. He headed the ball into goal with a tremendous leap. Ferdinand was staring with disbelief. He watched the Hobbit celebrating his goal and thought that his eyes must be playing tricks on him. 2-0 was the scoreline and United knew they were out of the equation. Indeed, Barcelona finished the game with aplomb as United hardly troubled Barcelona at all.

Many would have chided Ferguson for his sentimentality or Ronaldo for his individualism. Nevertheless, in my opinion, the final was simply lost in midfield.

Has anyone expected an outcome other than the one in the biblical story?