FC Barcelona beats Estudiantes La Plata 2-1 in FIFA 2009 Club World Cup Final – Recap and Video Highlights

The FIFA 2009 Club World Cup is down to the last day of competition as Estudiantes La Plata (CONMEBOL) takes on FC Barcelona (UEFA) in the championship match. Both clubs were the favorites to reach the finals of the tournament as they had byes to the semifinal round. Estudiantes reached the final after defeating Pohang Steelers while FC Barcelona beat Atlante. Here’s a recap and video highlights of the match.

FC Barcelona beats Estudiantes La Plata 2-1 – Video Highlights

Estudiantes was able to get a first half lead as Barcelona struggled to find the back of the net. The Spanish giants fielded a strong side (Messi, Ibrahimovic, Henry, and Xavi) but Estudiantes played a strong first half. The goal would come from Mauro Boselli in the 37th minute and it would remain 1-0 at halftime.

Barcelona would continue to attack and put Estudiantes on their heels for most of the second half. Possession and chances were dominated by Barcelona but with only about 20 minutes left in the match they still trailed 0-1. The match opened up in the second half as Barcelona sent players forward looking for the equalizer which led to Estudiantes getting chances on the counterattack.

Eventually, in the 89th minute, Pedro would score for Barcelona to tie it at 1-1. The momentum was definitely with Barcelona as there was a few minutes of stoppage time left in the second half. Neither team could score late and there would have to be extra time (two 15 minute halves) to decide a winner. In extra time, Barcelona would get the match winning goal as Lionel Messi scored in the 110th minute.

They would hold on to win the 2009 FIFA Club World Cup championship.