It was a lot harder than many people expected, but Barcelona finally defeated Club Estudiantes de La Plata 2-1 to win the FIFA Club World Cup final in Abu Dhabi.
With a minute to go in regulation time Barcelona were trailing 1-0, and it took super sub Pedro RodrÃguez to rescue Barca and send the game into overtime where the World’s best plater Lionel Messi scored the winner.
Barca started the game well with Xavi and Messi both having good chances. But it was Estudiantes who took the lead eight minutes before half-time when Mauro Boselli stole in ahead of Eric Abidal to head the Argentinian club in front.
Barca huffed and puffed but could not break down the Estudiantes defence and it looked like a major upset was on the cards. Then with only a minute remaining in regulation Gerard Pique set up substitute Pedro RodrÃguez for the equalizer.
The Spanish champions continued to dominate in extra time and Messi out them ahead in the 110th minute, chesting home a cross from Daniel Alves.
With the victory, Barcelona has won a record breaking six trophies this year. In addition to the FIFA Club World Cup they won the UEFA Champions League and UEFA Super Cup finals as well as the domestic treble of the Spanish Liga, Copa del Rey and Spanish Super Cup.