'A wonderful night in a wonderful season'

The Spanish papers were unwavering in their praise of FC Barcelona after Josep Guardiola's team added the UEFA Champions League crown to their domestic double. Their Italian counterparts were equally effusive, while the English press could only salute the brilliance of Manchester United FC's final opponents after they defeated the English champions 2-0 to claim the fabled trophy for a third time.

Barcelona on top of the world
El País, Spain
Brave and beautiful like the best principles of football, Barcelona reached the top of the world last night in Rome's Stadio Olimpico as they dethroned former champions Manchester United. There are teams that answer the call when the chance for glory arrives, and the Azulgrana knew that they wouldn't have a better opportunity to achieve a historic treble than last night. Against the best of adversaries, Barcelona took their opportunity to complete a stainless season.

Barça, Barça Barça!!!
Sport, Spain
After two nightmare seasons the dream has arrived. In just 15 days, three titles have been delivered, and not just any three titles: Liga, Copa del Rey and the UEFA Champions League. The season started with the worst premonitions and ended swimming in champagne.

A legendary treble
El Mundo, Spain
The poker of aces formed by the only four European teams in history capable of winning a treble of league, cup and European Champion Clubs' Cup converted into a royal flush last night. Barça have become the first Spanish side to complete the feat and in so doing joined Celtic FC, AFC Ajax, PSV Eindhoven and Manchester United FC on the list of historical achievers.

United leave Rome in ruins
The Times, England
It takes a special team to make United look ordinary, let alone ugly, but Barcelona, a truly beautiful team, had done so and no one, not least Ferguson, denied the best side had won.

United fold without a fight
The Guardian, England
The holders were relieved of the European Cup and must take what comfort there is in the appreciation that there is no shame in being outclassed. They could barely engage with Pep Guardiola's side, let alone menace them.

United left breathless by Iniesta midfield mastery
The Independent, England
You cruel men of Rome: a Barcelona team who reduced the best of the Premier League to a pile of rubble. Ferguson's men were run out of town last night, hapless bystanders against the best team in the world.

Leo Slayer leads Man United Messi-cre
The Sun, England
Manchester United left Rome in ruins, as they were not just beaten but played off the park by a Barcelona team superior in every department. This was not how a previously outstanding season was supposed to end.

Fantastic Barça
Gazzetta dello Sport, Italy
Barcelona fully deserved their win for their style of play. It was a masterclass that defeated the former European champions. It was a real final, and the ultimate test for Guardiola who celebrated the third trophy of his first season in charge.

Messi king of Europe
Corriere dello Sport, Italy
It was a wonderful night for the Catalan club. It was also a wonderful season, after winning the Spanish double. Iniesta was absolutely phenomenal, Manchester United were never really in control of the game. Guardiola was touched and dedicated the victory to Italian football.