Source: Telegraph
Manchester United v Barcelona: Reaction
Ferguson admitted that the better team had won as Barcelona became the champions of Europe for the third time with goals from Samuel Eto'o and Lionel Messi.[LNB]Pep Guardiola's men were at their breathtaking best and United had no answer to Barca's slick passing as they lost for the first time in 25 matches in the Champions League.[LNB] Related ArticlesManchester United 0 Barcelona 2: Match reportMan Utd v Barcelona: PhotosMatch centre and statsManchester United v Barcelona: LiveManchester United v Barcelona: PreviewUnited manager Ferguson said: 'The first goal from Eto'o was a real killer. But we conceded two bad goals. Our defending has been fantastic all season but it was shoddy goals we gave away. [LNB]'We got a bit nervous after going behind and they have players like Xavi and [Andres] Iniesta who can keep the ball all night. We did have time to recover and some half-chances but our crossing was disappointing. We were beaten by a better team and we weren't at our best. I took a gamble bringing on [Carlos] Tevez at half-time because I wanted someone to drop in, but they defended so well. I accept we were beaten by a better team but we will come back stronger.'[LNB]Eto'o put the Spaniards ahead after 10 minutes following a mistake by Nemanja Vidic and made it 2-0 with 20 minutes to go when Xavi's inch-perfect cross from the right was headed expertly back across Edwin van der Sar and into the far corner by Messi.[LNB]United captain Rio Ferdinand said: 'We are very disappointed. We didn't produce our best football and were hit by a sucker punch. I could have done better with my position for Messi's goal but they were just the better team.'[LNB]
