Barcelona has outlasted Juventus in a thrilling 3-1 game to win the 2014-15 UEFA Champions League title. This is Barcelona’s fifth title and therefore, get to keep the trophy. On the other hand, Juventus now leads all teams with losing their sixth Final in team history.
While in the pregame, it almost seemed predestined for Barcelona to lift the trophy, it seemed as if Juventus was going to sneak in a goal. Barcelona seemed thrown off by Juventus’ high pressing attack and seemed as if they were going to sneak in a goal. It turned out to be a mirage as Barcelona marched straight down the field and scored within four minutes. Some great passing in the box resulted in Ivan Rakitic getting the tap in goal from about 10 yards out.
While Barcelona was the favorite and ahead 1-0, Juventus was still pressing and really weren’t making Barcelona that comfortable with the lead. Their persistence paid off because Alvaro Morata was able to collect the rebound off of Marc-Andre Ter Stegen and equalize in the 55th minute.
The tie was short lived though. Luis Suarez modeled his goal after Morata after connecting with the rebound off of Gianluigi Buffon to make it 2-1 and really make it tough for Juventus to come back.
The controversial call of the game went to Neymar as he scored what appeared to be the third goal for Barcelona of the day but was disallowed due to Neymar heading the ball onto his hand and scoring.
While Neymar didn’t necessarily get his goal, he did get another chance at getting that elusive Champions League Final goal and he closed the game out with a triumphant finish. Neymar scored late into stoppage time and just like that, the game was over. Barcelona would win 3-1.
And so another year of European club soccer has come to a close. We’re saying goodbye to Xavi, who’s going to play in Qatar and possibly goodbye (or maybe hello) to Andrea Pirlo who’s possibly coming to NYCFC in MLS. Either way, you have to give respect to two teams who fought to the bitter end and really produced a great game. Can’t wait until next year.
