The sexiest champion, Barcelona
In soccer, they say all wins count, ugly or not. And it's true, especially for a team with a lackluster playing style like Chelsea in seasons 2004-06. But there are some teams who care about style more than the result, most notably Barcelona.
You win no points for style in soccer. Goals are the only currency that counts. That's why Barca's perpetually beautiful style has brought them 12 trophies fewer than their arch-rival, Real Madrid, who care about victory in the championship more than about how it is achieved.
But when the Catalans play their dazzling football to a degree like they did throughout the 08-09 season, they deserve the La Primera more than anyone.
Few would have expected Pep Guardiola's side to conquer the league in such a dominant fashion, considering their transfer sagas in the summer and their doubtful start to the campaign. With just one point from their two opening matches, Guardiola, under mounting pressure, was determined to stick to his tactics, which finally paid off.
After thrashing the newly-promoted Sporting Gijon 6:1 in their third match, Barca began to showcase to the world their all-out attacking football. In the months of October and November, Getafe and Basel were the only two teams that managed to hold the Catalans to draws, whilst every other side was swept away.
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Xavi is the engine of this Barcelona team.
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After passing the so called "tests" against Sevilla, Valencia, and arch-rivals Real Madrid with consummate ease, Barca ended 2008 with a massive 10-point lead in the table.
Guardiola's side started 2009 in the same swashbuckling form. By the end of January, many were beginning to wonder if the Liga leader would ever slip up. But after a comfortable home win over Sporting Gijon, Barca endured their worst run of the season. After drawing with Real Betis and losing to Espanyol and Atletico Madrid consecutively, the once untouchable leaders found their arch-rival, Real Madrid only 4 points behind, with El Clasico on the horizon.
Billed as "game of the century" and "the title decider", the Clasico provided a shock to the system. It was truly a title decider, but ended in Barca's favor with such a humiliating defeat for the defending champions that they failed to recover from it over the next two weekends when they lost to Valencia and Villarreal in succession, rendering the title race well and truly over.
Their first title since 2006, fifth double, and 19th Liga Championship overall, made it a season to be fondly remembered by the blaugrana. However, what was more impressive was their playing style and tactics. They are a winning as well as a highly-entertaining team, now drawing comparisons with the great "Dream Team" of the 1990's.
After winning the champions league final at Roma on May 27, Barcelona have become the first Spanish side to win the domestic league and cup title as well as the Champions League. They are definitely the champion of champions.
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Champion of champions, Barcelona.
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