Barca Vs Man U 2011: Player Ratings And Match Analysis

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Barcelona vs Manchester United 2011: Player Ratings and Match Analysis

The 2011 Champions League final between Barcelona and Manchester United is forever etched in football history as a masterclass display by Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona. This match wasn't just a win; it was a statement. A demonstration of total football that left fans and pundits alike in awe. Let's dive deep into the player ratings and dissect what made this game so memorable, analyzing the key performances that dictated the outcome at Wembley Stadium.

Barcelona's Dominance: Player Ratings

Barcelona's lineup was a constellation of stars, each player contributing to the symphony of their tiki-taka style. This wasn't just about individual brilliance; it was about collective harmony and understanding. Let's break down the individual performances that contributed to their legendary win.

Goalkeeper and Defense

  • Victor ValdĂ©s (7/10): While not heavily tested, ValdĂ©s was assured and commanding when called upon. His distribution was quick and accurate, helping Barcelona maintain their relentless tempo. A quiet night, but a necessary presence. He handled crosses well and made a crucial save late in the game to deny Manchester United any hope of a comeback. His calmness at the back provided a sense of security to the entire team, allowing the more adventurous players to express themselves freely.

  • Dani Alves (8/10): Alves was a constant threat down the right flank. His energy seemed limitless, as he bombed forward to support the attack and tracked back diligently to defend. His crosses were dangerous, and his link-up play with Messi was a joy to watch. Alves's performance perfectly encapsulated Barcelona's attacking philosophy, demonstrating how full-backs could be instrumental in both defense and offense. He neutralized any threat from the left side of Manchester United's attack and consistently put their defense under pressure.

  • Gerard PiquĂ© (7.5/10): PiquĂ© was a rock at the heart of the defense. His positioning was impeccable, and his tackling was clean and decisive. He read the game expertly, snuffing out any potential danger before it materialized. PiquĂ©'s partnership with Abidal was solid, providing a stable platform for Barcelona's creative players to shine. His aerial presence was also crucial in dealing with Manchester United's long balls and set-piece deliveries. Overall, a composed and effective performance from the Spanish international.

  • Javier Mascherano (7/10): Playing as a makeshift center-back, Mascherano put in a typically committed performance. His tackling was fierce, and his determination was evident in every challenge. While not a natural defender, he adapted admirably and played a crucial role in keeping Manchester United's attack at bay. His versatility and willingness to sacrifice himself for the team were invaluable assets to Barcelona. He formed a strong understanding with PiquĂ©, compensating for his lack of height with intelligent positioning and relentless pressing.

  • Éric Abidal (7/10): Abidal, playing at left-back, provided stability and experience to the defense. He was solid defensively and offered support to the attack when needed. His performance was particularly noteworthy given his recent health issues, making his contribution even more remarkable. Abidal's presence on the field was a testament to his resilience and dedication. He kept Valencia quiet on the wing and made several crucial interceptions, preventing Manchester United from launching counter-attacks.

Midfield Maestros

  • Sergio Busquets (8/10): Busquets was the unsung hero of Barcelona's midfield. His positional sense was exceptional, and his ability to read the game allowed him to break up attacks and intercept passes with ease. He provided the platform for Xavi and Iniesta to weave their magic, shielding the defense and dictating the tempo of the game. Busquets's performance was a masterclass in defensive midfield play, showcasing his intelligence and tactical awareness. He won numerous tackles and interceptions, disrupting Manchester United's rhythm and preventing them from gaining a foothold in midfield.

  • Xavi Hernández (9/10): Xavi was at the heartbeat of Barcelona's midfield. His passing was sublime, his vision was unparalleled, and his control of the game was absolute. He dictated the tempo, orchestrated attacks, and kept Barcelona ticking. Xavi's performance was a testament to his genius, solidifying his status as one of the greatest midfielders of all time. He completed an astonishing number of passes with incredible accuracy, maintaining Barcelona's possession and preventing Manchester United from gaining control of the ball. His ability to find space and create opportunities was crucial to Barcelona's dominance.

  • AndrĂ©s Iniesta (9/10): Iniesta was simply magical. His dribbling was mesmerizing, his passing was incisive, and his movement was impossible to track. He glided past defenders with ease, creating space and opportunities for his teammates. Iniesta's performance was a joy to watch, a showcase of his unparalleled talent and creativity. He combined brilliantly with Xavi and Messi, forming a formidable midfield trio that Manchester United struggled to contain. His ability to unlock defenses with his precise passes and mazy dribbling made him a constant threat.

Attacking Brilliance

  • Pedro (7.5/10): Pedro provided pace and width to Barcelona's attack. He took his goal exceptionally well, demonstrating his composure and finishing ability. His work rate was impressive, as he chased down defenders and pressed high up the pitch. Pedro's contribution was vital to Barcelona's success, adding another dimension to their attack. He stretched Manchester United's defense, creating space for Messi and Villa to exploit. His willingness to run and his ability to finish made him a valuable asset to Barcelona's attacking lineup.

  • Lionel Messi (9.5/10): Messi was, as always, the star of the show. He scored a stunning goal and tormented the Manchester United defense with his dribbling and movement. His performance was a reminder of his otherworldly talent, cementing his place as the best player in the world. Messi's ability to change the game in an instant was on full display, as he single-handedly dismantled Manchester United's defense. He drifted between the lines, picking up the ball in dangerous areas and creating havoc with his mazy runs and precise passes. His goal was a moment of pure brilliance, showcasing his incredible technique and composure.

  • David Villa (8.5/10): Villa scored a spectacular goal, curling the ball into the top corner with exquisite precision. His movement was intelligent, and his link-up play with Messi and Pedro was excellent. Villa's contribution was crucial to Barcelona's victory, providing another goal threat and stretching the Manchester United defense. His goal was the icing on the cake, sealing Barcelona's victory and showcasing his incredible finishing ability. He worked tirelessly throughout the game, pressing the Manchester United defense and creating space for his teammates. His versatility and experience made him a valuable asset to Barcelona's attacking lineup.

Manchester United's Struggle: Player Ratings

Manchester United, despite their best efforts, were simply outclassed on the night. They struggled to contain Barcelona's midfield, and their attack was largely ineffective. Here’s how each player fared:

Goalkeeper and Defense

  • Edwin van der Sar (6/10): In his final game, Van der Sar couldn't replicate his past heroics. While he made a few decent saves, he was ultimately beaten three times and couldn't prevent Barcelona's dominance. His distribution was accurate, but Barcelona's pressure limited his options. He commanded his area well, but Barcelona's relentless attacks eventually overwhelmed him. His experience and leadership were evident, but he couldn't prevent Barcelona from running riot.

  • Fábio (5/10): Tasked with containing Barcelona's attack down the right flank, Fábio struggled to cope with their pace and movement. He was often caught out of position, and his tackling was sometimes rash. He showed glimpses of his potential, but he was ultimately outmatched by Barcelona's superior players. He made several important interceptions, but he was also responsible for conceding possession in dangerous areas. His inexperience was exposed against Barcelona's seasoned campaigners.

  • Rio Ferdinand (6/10): Ferdinand tried his best to organize the defense, but he was often left exposed by Barcelona's fluid movement. He made some crucial interceptions, but he was also beaten by Messi on several occasions. His aerial presence was important in dealing with Barcelona's crosses, but he couldn't prevent them from scoring. He showed his experience and composure, but he was ultimately unable to contain Barcelona's relentless attacks.

  • Nemanja Vidić (5.5/10): Vidić, usually a rock at the back, had a tough night against Barcelona's dynamic attack. He made some important blocks and tackles, but he was also caught out of position on several occasions. His partnership with Ferdinand was tested to the limit, and they struggled to contain Messi and Villa. He showed his commitment and determination, but he was ultimately unable to prevent Barcelona from scoring three goals.

  • Patrice Evra (5/10): Evra struggled to contain Barcelona's attack down the left flank. He was often caught out of position, and his tackling was sometimes poor. He offered little in the way of attacking support, and his crosses were often inaccurate. He showed his experience and work rate, but he was ultimately unable to make a significant impact on the game.

Midfield Battle

  • Michael Carrick (5/10): Carrick struggled to impose himself on the game. He was often bypassed by Barcelona's midfield, and he failed to provide adequate protection for the defense. His passing was accurate, but he lacked the creativity to unlock Barcelona's defense. He showed his composure and tactical awareness, but he was ultimately unable to match Barcelona's midfield maestros.

  • Ryan Giggs (6/10): Giggs showed glimpses of his brilliance, but he was unable to exert his usual influence on the game. He made some incisive passes, but he was often crowded out by Barcelona's midfield. His experience and vision were evident, but he was ultimately unable to turn the tide in Manchester United's favor. He worked tirelessly throughout the game, but he was unable to create any clear-cut chances.

  • Park Ji-sung (6.5/10): Park Ji-sung, known for his tireless work rate, put in a typically industrious performance. He tracked back diligently and tried to disrupt Barcelona's rhythm, but he was ultimately unable to stem the tide. He showed his commitment and discipline, but he was unable to make a significant impact on the game.

Attack

  • Antonio Valencia (5.5/10): Valencia struggled to make an impact on the game. He was well-marshaled by Abidal, and he failed to create any clear-cut chances. His crossing was inaccurate, and his dribbling was ineffective. He showed his pace and power, but he was ultimately unable to trouble Barcelona's defense.

  • Wayne Rooney (6.5/10): Rooney scored a terrific goal, but it was a rare moment of joy for Manchester United. He was largely isolated upfront and struggled to get into the game. His work rate was impressive, but he was unable to break down Barcelona's defense. He showed his determination and skill, but he was ultimately unable to inspire his team to victory.

  • Javier Hernández (5/10): Hernández was largely anonymous upfront. He struggled to get into the game and failed to create any clear-cut chances. His movement was limited, and his link-up play with Rooney was poor. He showed his work rate and commitment, but he was ultimately unable to make a significant impact on the game.

Conclusion

The Barcelona vs. Manchester United 2011 final was a showcase of Barcelona's total dominance. The player ratings reflect the gulf in class between the two teams on the night. While Manchester United put up a fight, they were ultimately outclassed by a Barcelona side at the peak of their powers. This match remains a classic, a testament to Barcelona's brilliance and a reminder of their place in football history. The 2011 Champions League Final will always be remembered as one of the greatest displays of football ever witnessed, solidifying Barcelona's legacy as one of the best teams of all time.