Arsenal became the first club from London to reach a Champions League final when they faced Barcelona at the Stade de France on 17 May 2006. Arsene Wenger’s side had been magnificent throughout the campaign – progressing through the knockout stage without conceding a single goal, eliminating Real Madrid, Juventus and Villarreal. A team built on defensive solidity, pace on the counter and the brilliance of Thierry Henry.
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The final, however, was defined by a moment that changed everything. In the 18th minute, goalkeeper Jens Lehmann became the first player ever to be sent off in a Champions League final, bringing down Samuel Eto’o as Barcelona broke through on goal. Robert Pires made way for goalkeeper Manuel Almunia. Arsenal were down to 10 with over 70 minutes remaining.
What followed was extraordinary. Rather than capitulate, Sol Campbell rose to head Arsenal in front from a Thierry Henry cross in the 37th minute – sending the red half of a 79,610 crowd into raptures. Arsenal went in at half-time leading 1-0 against the best team in Europe. With 10 men.
Barcelona introduced Henrik Larsson from the bench and the Swedish veteran changed the game entirely. Larsson laid off Eto’o who fired past Almunia’s near post in the 76th minute to equalise, before providing the assist for Juliano Belletti to fire through Almunia’s legs four minutes later. Barcelona won 2-1.
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Samuel Eto’o was named Man of the Match but the lasting image was of Thierry Henry, Arsenal’s greatest ever player, walking past the trophy without being able to touch it. It was his only Champions League final. He never got another.
Twenty years on, Arsenal are back. On Saturday in Budapest, they face PSG with the chance to finally write a different ending.
Photo: REUTERS/Philippe Wojazer
