UPDATE 1-Soccer-Defeated Ferguson praises pass masters Barcelona

* United undone by killer first goal, says Ferguson

* Barcelona's possession football almost impossible to stop

(changes dateline, adds quotes, byline)

By Mark Meadows

ROME, May 27 (Reuters) - Barcelona's "killer" first goal and their ability to control a game once in front were decisive in their 2-0 Champions League final victory on Wednesday, Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson said.

"I think the first goal was a killer for us," Ferguson told ITV. "We started brightly too. We got a bit nervous after that."

United did make a good start but Samuel Eto'o netted after 10 minutes and the English side faded badly, with their defence looking especially shaky, and Lionel Messi wrapped up victory midway through the second half.

"The first goal didn't help that's for sure," Ferguson said at a news conference. "It gave them the opportunity to keep possession, which they do well.

"We didn't deal with it well enough. That really was the story. I think there's a disappointment in the performance and some individuals will say that themselves."