2011 UEFA Champions League Final: Barcelona's Triumph at Wembley
On 28 May 2011, the footballing world turned its attention to London for the 2011 UEFA Champions League final. This prestigious match decided the winner of the 2010–11 season, marking the 56th season of the tournament and the 19th since the transition to the Champions League era. The prize at stake was the European Champion Clubs' Cup, the most coveted trophy in club football.
The final featured a clash of titans: Spain's FC Barcelona and England's Manchester United. This encounter was a repeat of the 2009 final in Rome, which Barcelona had won 2–0. Both clubs entered the match as domestic champions—Barcelona of La Liga and Manchester United of the Premier League—and both had previously secured three European titles each.
Key Facts
- Final Score: Barcelona 3–1 Manchester United
- Date: 28 May 2011
- Venue: Wembley Stadium, London
- Attendance: 87,695
- Man of the Match: Lionel Messi
- Referee: Viktor Kassai (Hungary)
The Road to Wembley
Both teams navigated a challenging knockout phase to reach the final. Barcelona's journey included victories over Arsenal, Shakhtar Donetsk, and a high-stakes semi-final win against their rivals, Real Madrid, in the 212th El Clásico (the traditional derby between Barcelona and Real Madrid). Manchester United secured their place by defeating Marseille, Chelsea, and Schalke 04.
Venue History and Logistics
The match was held at the new Wembley Stadium, which had opened in 2007. While the original Wembley had hosted five European Cup finals (including Barcelona's first title win in 1992), this was the first time the new arena hosted the event. The selection of Wembley caused some scheduling conflicts with the Football League play-off finals, leading to the relocation of the League One, League Two, and Conference National finals to Manchester.
Match Analysis and Results
The match kicked off at 19:45 BST under cloudy skies with a temperature of 15 °C. Barcelona dominated the game from the start, controlling 63% of the overall ball possession and recording 19 total shots compared to Manchester United's four.
Barcelona opened the scoring in the 27th minute through Pedro. Manchester United responded in the 34th minute when Wayne Rooney scored to level the match. However, Barcelona regained control in the second half, with Lionel Messi scoring in the 54th minute and David Villa sealing the victory in the 69th minute.
Match Statistics Summary
| Statistic | Barcelona | Manchester United |
|---|---|---|
| Goals Scored | 3 | 1 |
| Total Shots | 19 | 4 |
| Shots on Target | 12 | 1 |
| Ball Possession | 63% | 37% |
| Corner Kicks | 6 | 0 |
| Fouls Committed | 5 | 16 |
Post-Match Legacy
The victory ensured that Barcelona qualified for the 2011 UEFA Super Cup against Porto and earned a spot in the 2011 FIFA Club World Cup. For Manchester United, the match marked a poignant milestone as it was the final professional appearance for legendary goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar, who retired following the season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was the Man of the Match in the 2011 final?
Lionel Messi was named both the UEFA Man of the Match and the Fans' Man of the Match for his performance in Barcelona's 3–1 victory.
Where was the match played and what was the attendance?
The match took place at Wembley Stadium in London, with an official attendance of 87,695 spectators.
Which players scored for Barcelona?
The goals for Barcelona were scored by Pedro (27'), Lionel Messi (54'), and David Villa (69').
Who scored the lone goal for Manchester United?
Wayne Rooney scored for Manchester United in the 34th minute of the match.
What was the significance of the match ball?
The match ball, the Adidas Finale London, featured a white design with red stars and a central orange star, reflecting the St George's Cross of the English flag.