Barcelona overpower Juventus to claim fifth European crown

Barcelona were crowned kings of Europe for the fifth time after beating Juventus 3-1 in a pulsating Champions League final at the Olympic Stadium on Saturday, capping their magnificent season with a title treble.

The Spaniards lived up to their tag as favourites and added the European Cup to their La Liga and King’s Cup triumphs as coach Luis Enrique celebrated his first season in memorable fashion.

Goals from Croatian Ivan Rakitic in the fourth minute, Uruguayan Luis Suarez in the 68th and Brazilian Neymar with the last kick of the game sealed Barca’s second treble, matching their 2009 feat.

“A magnificent, spectacular day,” Luis Enrique said. “I congratulate my players, a unique group of players, their talent and commitment has been beyond doubt.”

Barca’s South American trio of Suarez, Neymar and Lionel Messi, known collectively as “MSN”, showed spectacular form all season and Saturday’s goals took their tally to an amazing 122 in all competitions as the game proved the perfect antidote for the corruption scandal engulfing soccer’s governing body Fifa.

Juve, however, became the first team in the history of the competition to get beaten in six finals and the Italian giants have now lost their last four.

“I would like to thank the team for the wonderful season they have had,” said Juve coach Massimiliano Allegri who landed the domestic double in his first season in charge.

“We played a great game tonight...unfortunately when you play against great players you think you have things under control but then they get you.”