Santos FC's young players will soon move on and star for some of Europe's biggest clubs, but the team as a whole was no match for Barcelona. The Blaugranas were at their best on Sunday, winning 4-0 in a dominating performance. While Ganso and Neymar looked good when they got the ball to their feet, Barca were so good that the two Brazil stars' teammates were unable to find them on a regular basis. The European champions kept the ball brilliantly, hardly giving Santos a chance to attack.
Barcelona Vs. Santos, 2011 FIFA Club World Cup: Final Score, Blaugranas Capture Title With 4-0 Victory
Barca were at their best in the opening 30 minutes, and the game felt like it was over very quickly. Lionel Messi scored the opening goal in the 17th minute, assisted by Xavi with a spectacular one-touch flick into the box. Xavi added one of his own just seven minutes later, smashing home a great finish after touching down a cross by Daniel Alves. Barca slowed down after that, but still found a third goal just before halftime. Alves provided the setup again with a cross, finding Messi. Rafael made a great save on Messi, but Cesc Fabregas was there to finish the rebound.
Santos were slightly better in the second half, but couldn’t find a breakthrough. Barcelona were content to sit on the ball for most of the half and kill off the game, but Messi provided the icing on the cake with a fourth goal in the 82nd minute. Receiving a ball from Alves - perhaps the man of the match - Messi went around Rafael and tapped the ball into the back of the net, capping off a brilliant performance.
For more on the Club World Cup final, check out FC Barcelona blog Barca Blaugranes.
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