1. This Barca team is perfect in its own way
Luis Enrique encountered resistance during the first-half of the season as the team struggled to transition to his philosophy, but Barcelona are now a perfect representation of his ideas.
They still retain elements of the tiki-taka – as shown by the opening goal, when all of Barca’s outfield players touched the ball in a breath-taking move that ended with Ivan Rakitic scoring in the fourth minute.
Yet when necessary, they soak up pressure and counter-attack as they did in their two second-half goals. They may not be as silky as Pep Guardiola’s team but Enrique’s men are more dynamic and equally impressive.
2. It is hard not to feel sorry for Gianluigi Buffon after watching this final
Buffon was clearly the best Juventus player on the night and he pulled off some incredible saves as he attempted to protect a defensive unit that looked out of sorts.
While Buffon may be disappointed with Barcelona’s second goal, when he parried Lionel Messi’s fierce shot into Luis Suarez’s path, the Italian keeper was among the best players on the pitch and deserved more than a loser’s medal.
3. Rakitic enhanced his reputation as a big game player
Rakitic was the man of the match in last year’s Europa League final while at Sevilla, and the underrated midfielder had another fine night. He scored the crucial early goal that ruined Juventus’ defensive plans.
He also showed why he is among Enrique’s untouchables with his ability to fit into Barcelona’s fluid passing, while also adding balance to the team. His athleticism allowed him to cover for Messi by minding Patrice Evra’s overlapping runs.
4. A big summer awaits Juventus
Last year Atletico Madrid punched above their weight by reaching the Champions League final and clinching the Spanish title. Teams with more financial power then cherry-picked their stars and Atleti had a tougher season this time.
Juventus look set to have a similar problem in Europe, even though they should extend their dominance in Serie A. Paul Pogba is linked with a raft of top teams.
Given that Andrea Pirlo could be leaving for MLS plus a couple of clubs are interested in Arturo Vidal as well, the Juventus hierarchy will have to be careful in terms of who they can afford to let go and for how much in order to sufficiently bolster the squad.
5. The greatest playmaker in Barcelona’s history got a fitting send off
Xavi Hernandez was Barca’s heart and soul through the magical Guardiola years but will now leave for Al Sadd in Qatar. He made a record 151 Champions League appearances and has won 25 major trophies at the club.
Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are both obviously part of a handful of the very best players to have played the game. Xavi should also be on that exclusive list too, because it may be ages before a player comes along with the ability to totally dominate midfield battles both for club and country as he has done.
