The Spanish press on Thursday is unanimous in its praise for FC Barcelona's triumph over Manchester United in the final of the Champions League.
Goals from Samuel Eto'o and Leo Messi gave Barcelona a 2-0 win over reigning champions Manchester United in the game held in Rome's Olympic Stadium on Wednesday night.
The win rounds off an incredible season for this Barcelona team that has already won Spain's Primera Liga and Kings Cup. It is the first time any Spanish side has ever won a European and domestic treble.
"Treble," is the headline of sports paper AS, which traditionally supports Barcelona's rivals Real Madrid. The paper adds a reminder that "…there is still the Spanish Supercup, the European Supercup and the World Club Championship to play."
Another sports paper Marca, also highlights the success of the team coached by Pep Guardiola.
"This team is a work of art," is Marca's headline and the paper calls Barcelona a "Perfect team."
The Barcelona based sports press was even more fervent in its praise for the European Champions.
"Tri-Champions. Barcelona ends this unforgettable season with a historic treble," says el Mundo Deportivo. "Being a Barca fan is the best thing there is."
Sport is no less fluent in its praise, calling Barca "The best team in the World," and saying that Guardiola has "touched heaven."
The Barcelona coach, a former player who at just 38 years old, is in his first season leading the first team, is along with Messi and Eto'o, the hero of the hour.
Barcelona players celebrate with the trophy following their Champions League final soccer match against Manchester United at the Olympic stadium in Rome May 27, 2009. Barcelona completed an historic treble with a 2-0 win over holders Manchester United in the Champions League final in Rome on Wednesday night. (Xinhua Photo) National daily El Pais considers his implication to the Barca cause. "He played like a coach and now he coaches like a player," considers the paper, which also focuses on the contribution of Barcelona's star players. "Four geniuses together."
And finally the local papers are overjoyed at the club's achievement. Barcelona has always represented more for the Catalunya region than Real Madrid for the Spanish capital after being seen as a representation of Catalan identity during the Franco dictatorship from 1939-1975.
Wednesday was without doubt the greatest day in the club's history and as El Periodico de Catalunya states. "Barcelona is now a legend."
Source: Xinhua
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