Life is ... Soccer and Things!: June 2015

On Saturday, 6th June, UEFA Champions League Final was played between FC Barcelona and Juventus FC. It was quite a showdown that ended with FCB rising to the occasion and winning the league title for the fifth time.

The evening began with an opening ceremony with colourful performances and a choir that sang the UCL anthem.

Opening ceremony at Olympiastadion, Berlin

The match was between the two awaiting treble winners- Serie A, Coppa Italia winners Juve and La Liga, Copa del Rey winners FCB. Both teams were zealous to become the champion of champions! the match began with an early goal by Ivan Rakitic with in the first five minutes. This goal was a joint effort by Lionel Messi, Jordi Alba, Neymar and Andreas Iniesta for who it was the third assist in UCL final.

The game seemed to subside in Barca's favour with a lead and domination in the first half. The Italian side were losing their patience as back fall in first half wasn't exactly their plan.

The second half began with a new and aggressive Juve who seemed determined to get and equalizer. Alvaro Morata came out to be the hailing saviour who scored one for Juve at 55th min.

Alvaro Morata scores the only goal for Juve

But the joy was short lived as Luis Suarez gain back the lead for Barca, all thanks to Messi. Messi charged in for a shot at goal which was wonderfully denied by Gianluigi Buffon. The threat wasn't over yet as Suarez wisely played to the opportunity and nicked the rebound in at 67th min.

Barca made sure that they would maintain the lead with good defending from Javier Mascherano and Gerard Pique. A third goal was conceived a few minutes later by Neymar which was not given because of handball.

The match continued as both teams kept on punching on each others defence for another goal. But were unsuccessful. Match went on to extra time where Juve almost had a chance for a second goal but was denied. Neymar scored a late winner with a combo between Messi, Pedro and Neymar against Buffon. The match ends with the late 97th min goal.

Tevez, Pogba, Vidal each took multiple shots on goal but missed. Messi, though he couldn't score any goals, he was the magic maker who made these goals happen.

In the end, Juve just couldn't make the cut, resulting Barca to be the treble winners with 3-1 lead. It was a perfect ending to Xavi Hernandez's Barca career. A legendary ending fit for a legend. On the other hand, Andrea Pirlo who was also playing the last match for Zebre had to settle for duplet.

Xavi and Pirlo exchanging hugs post-match

The match followed festivities and celebrations. FC Barcelona were La Liga, Copa del Rey and Champions League winners of 2015.

For Highlights: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-5jOb_Gb8pU