Sunday, 29th May, 2011 

Barcelona coach Josep Guardiola has lavished praise on his players after they secured the Champions League by beating Manchester United 3-1 at Wembley last night.

It was the Catalans’ fourth European Cup and their third since 2006, underlining a special kind of domination that looks set to cement their spot as one of the greatest sides to have ever played the game.

Goals from Pedro (27mins), Lionel Messi (54mins) and David Villa (69mins) were enough to ensure the Champions League trophy was held aloft by defender Eric Abidal, who was himself returning to action just three months after undergoing surgery for a liver tumour. A goal from Wayne Rooney (34mins), which levelled the game was ultimately not a portent for things to come.


"You’re always happy with a win, but the way we won it!", gushed Guardiola after the match.

"Now we’ve got four [European Cups] – that’s a good number."

And the Catalan coach was quick to praise his players, stating it is an honour to manage such a group.

"It’s a privilege to have these players and to be the boss at this club. 

"Once again I want to express my gratitude and admiration for these players and to everybody who has contributed to what we have done once again. We’ve all achieved this."



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