Dominant Barça claim world crown

Dominant Barça claim world crown

A goal from Lionel Messi ten minutes before the end of extra time earned Barcelona victory over Club Estudiantes de La Plata in the FIFA Club World Cup final in Abu Dhabi – the Azulgrana's sixth trophy win of 2009.

Opening goal
After a bright opening in which the European champions threatened through Xavi Hernández and Messi, it was Estudiantes who took the lead eight minutes before half-time when Mauro Boselli stole in ahead of Eric Abidal to head the Argentinian club in front. Zlatan Ibrahimović shot narrowly wide of the post shortly after the break but, despite continued Barça pressure, Josep Guradiola's side were finding the Estudiantes rearguard a stubborn one to break down.

Pedro equaliser
However, with a minute remaining Gerard Piqué set up substitute Pedro Rodríguez – a scorer in the 3-1 semi-final defeat of Atlante Futbol Club on Wednesday – and with the Catalan outfit continuing to dominate possession in extra time, Messi struck the decisive goal in the 110th minute by chesting in Daniel Alves' right-wing cross.

Silverware
The success adds to victories this year in the UEFA Champions League and UEFA Super Cup finals as well as the domestic treble of the Spanish Liga, Copa del Rey and Spanish Super Cup. Barcelona are the third successive European club to win the world crown after Manchester United FC and AC Milan triumphed in the previous two years.

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