Pirlo and Xavi show the game can still be beautiful

Xavi’s brief consoling of Pirlo at the end of the Champions League final was a much-needed reminder, in the wake of the FIFA scandal, that the game can still be beautiful, writes Ciarán O’Connor.

The final whistle bellowed in Berlin and scenes of celebration began as the brilliant Barcelona collected their much coveted fifth Champions League title - and in the process completed the treble.

The carnival commenced and the tattooed torsos of Brazilian pair Neymar and Dani Alves danced in tandem, while Luis Enrique was hoisted high in the air amidst scenes of sheer jubilation.