Barca keep cool as Man United fluff their lines

By Mark Meadows - Analysis

ROME (Reuters) - The dream Champions League final did not materialise as Manchester United showed rare stage fright and Barcelona won without having to produce a stellar performance.

All the talk had been of the final most neutrals wanted, both teams the champions of their countries and blessed with the world's greatest attacking talent.

But the curtain fell timidly on Manchester United's European reign as the Catalans won the trophy for the second time in four years and third overall courtesy of a regulation 2-0 victory.

From the moment Samuel Eto'o grabbed the early opener, the script looked ready for 38-year-old Pep Guardiola to seal European football's top title in his first season as coach.

His team completed the treble following their domestic league and cup successes, the first time it has been done in Spanish football.

Few would argue they are worthy of that honour given the stunning displays this season which have left defenders and spectators dumbstruck.

Wednesday's showing in Rome was not out of the top drawer but the Catalan party-goers will care little, especially after they edged through in stoppage-time in the semi-final of attrition against Chelsea.

"We are very happy," Guardiola told reporters. "We started badly but the goal calmed us down and in general we played a good match."