THE END OF BARCELONA'S RULE

IT looks like time has caught up with the self-styled 'greatest club team of all time'.
After their 2-0 Champions League setback in Milan, Barcelona then lost 3-1 at home to Real Madrid in the Spanish Cup semi at the Camp Nou.

It looked like a watershed to me: the baton passing from one Spanish team to another.

Barca suddenly had the appearance of a fragile old man in comparison to Real's youthful dominance.

Iniesta and Xavi, one of the greatest midfield duos, looked aged and slow. And without their briliance Messi looked half the player of Ronaldo.

I believe Ronaldo will now go on to confirm his position as No 1 player in the world, above Messi. Just think if he had had Iniesta and Xabi playing behind him for the last five years - I reckon his impact would have at least equalled, if not excelled, that of Messi's.

In one sense I am glad that Barca's rule appears over. They always projected themselves as angels who lived and died by their playing the beautiful game. In reality, they many times were just as cynical and machiavellian as Mourinho with their dives and dirty fouls. I am thinking in particular of the horrible Busquets and Alves.

So farewell Barca...time waits for no man...and I wouldn't be at all surprised if Inter Milan provide the killer blow at the Camp Nou in their second leg of the Champions League tie.