Barcelona made more history on Monday as the Catalans became the first team in history to win the UEFA Youth League three times.
Juliano Belletti’s side beat Trabzonspor 4-1 in Nyon to lift the trophy for the first time in seven years.
The Catalans got off to a great start when Quim Junyent teed up Ibrahim Diarra to score with a low shot for the opening goal on 17 minutes.
Barca didn’t have to wait much longer for a second, either. A corner in from the right was met firmly and spilled by the goalkeeper, allowing Andres Cuenca to knock home from close range.
Barca thought they were in dreamland on the half-hour mark when Juan Hernandéz scored a glorious goal to make it 3-0, only to see his effort ruled out for offside.
Yet Belletti’s side did get their third goal of the match 10 minutes in the second half. Junyent and Diarra combined to set up Hugo Alba to smash home from inside the box.
Diarra added another shortly afterwards to really seal the win. A quick move down the right ended with the 18-year-old tucking another fine shot home from the edge of the penalty area.
Trabzonspor did manage to pull a goal back through Marca Tibukoglu late in the game but it was to prove only a consolation as Barca romped to victory.
It’s a brilliant win for the players and another great moment for Barcelona. After all, don’t forget Pau Cubarsi and Lamine Yamal are still technically eligible to play for this team.
