Barcelona vs Manchester United was trumpeted as the dream final and in many ways, it did live up to its pre-match hype.

All the ingredients that make football such a fascinating sport were all there as the 2009 Champions League showdown was contested by two brilliant teams in a city that breathes football.

The empathy between the two sets of fans helped to allay fears that the 'perfect final' might be overshadowed by crowd trouble.

The atmosphere inside the Stadio Olimpico was electric but the Barcelona faithful outshone their English counterparts for the best part of the match as their team tore United apart to win 2-0 and complete a remarkable treble of domestic league, cup and Champions League.

Given all the talk about United and Barcelona being the two finest teams in European football, the emphatic manner of the Catalans' success took many by surprise.

Fresh from winning their 18th Premier League title, Manchester United made the better start but Barcelona's early jitters ebbed when Samuel Eto'o guided a shot past a startled Edwin van der Sar at the near post.

Eto'o's breakthrough knocked the wind out of United's sails with Alex Ferguson admitting afterwards that the first goal was "decisive" as it enabled Pep Guardiola's pass masters to play their possession game.

Faltering with every passing minute, United couldn't get to the grips with the situation and the game was over as a contest when Lionel Messi doubled the lead 20 minutes from time.

As Carles Puyol thrust the European Cup skywards amid the jubilation of the vociferous Barca fans, the overriding feeling was that the better team had won.

"It was an entertaining final," Adrian Vella, a veterinarian, told The Times after the final.

"Barcelona certainly deserved to win. Their midfield was very strong, making it difficult for United to play their usual game.

"United looked shaky in defence and weak in midfield. They struggled to create scoring chances but credit to Barcelona who were the better team. The individual class of the Barcelona players was key to their success."

Vella was pleased with the level of organisation for Wednesday's final.

"I think UEFA and their Italian collaborators got their logistics right," Vella remarked.

"The atmosphere was excellent but the Barcelona fans were more colourful and vocal than those of United. I think their backing gave their team that extra push."

Ray Calleja, a sports journalist who has been to several Champions League finals, echoed Vella's views.

"United had a good opening and they missed some chances," Calleja said.

"Conceding a goal after 10 minutes was a big setback for United. The most disappointing aspect of United's performance was their inability to get back into the game and create scoring chances.

"Barcelona were superior and their winning margin might have been wider. I thought the standard of football in the first half was of the highest order. The mood inside the stadium was unique but the Barcelona fans were more fervent than those of United."

John Borg, a Birkirkara FC official who is also a member of the European Clubs Association, said: "It looked as if United were going to set the pace in the initial stages but Barcelona showed their class by scoring from their first attack.

"That goal killed United and Barcelona were in total command.

"I enjoyed the atmosphere at the Olimpico. This was the best final I've been to since that famous night in Istanbul in 2005 when Liverpool beat Milan on penalties."

Nicky Saliba, the team manager of Valletta FC, said the final was short of drama.

"It was not a thrilling match but there is no doubt that Barcelona were deserving winners," he said.

"They dominated United and in Messi Barca have an outstanding player. The result was certainly fair. I didn't expect United to be so mediocre on such an important occasion."

Saliba was also unimpressed with the support from the United faithful.

"The United fans look subdued," he said. "After their team had gone 1-0 down, you expect a reaction from the supporters but they were quiet. The Barcelona fans showed more passion.

"There is a special aura about this match. I had never been to a European Cup final before but I will try not to miss one in future because it was a great experience."

Michael Abele, who works in the travel industry, described Barcelona as a perfect team.

"Barcelona have a perfect team," he enthused.

"They have fantastic individuals but their teamwork is perfect. They always picked the right pass, the right option."