News APP

NewsApp (Free)

Read news as it happens
Download NewsApp
Rediff.com  » Sports » Barcelona crowned European champions

Barcelona crowned European champions

May 18, 2006 02:57 IST
Get Rediff News in your Inbox:

Barcelona fought back from a goal down to beat 10-man Arsenal 2-1 and win their second European Cup in the 50th anniversary final at the Stade de France on Wednesday.

Late strikes from striker Samuel Eto'o and substitute defender Juliano Belletti cancelled out a first-half header from Arsenal defender Sol Campbell.

Arsenal became the first side ever to have a player sent off in a final when German keeper Jens Lehmann was dismissed after he caught Eto'o on the fringe of the area after the Barca striker had been put through by Ronaldinho in the 18th minute.

The German caught Barca striker Samuel Eto'o with his feet just outside the area as he raced towards goal. The Cameroon international stumbled but managed to stay upright and fed the ball to Ludovic Giuly, who drilled the ball into the net.

But Norwegian referee Terje Hauge, who sent off Chelsea full back Asier del Horno when the Londoners played Barcelona earlier in the competition, pulled play back, sent off Lehmann and awarded a free-kick to the Spanish champions outside the area.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger took off French midfielder Robert Pires in his final match for the north London club and replaced him with Spanish goalkeeper Manuel Almunia.

Lehmann, who will be Germany's first choice at the World Cup, was Arsenal's hero against Villarreal in the semi-final when he saved a last-minute penalty by Juan Roman Riquelme.

But the Londoners, who had dominated the opening exchanges, refused to fold and were rewarded when Campbell out-jumped the Barca defence to thump a header inside the far post eight minutes before the break.

Arsenal looked to be on course for victory until Eto'o equalised after racing on to a neat flick from substitute Henrik Larsson 14 minutes from time.

Brazilian Belletti grabbed the winner soon after when he battered a shot under keeper Manuel Alumnia.

Get Rediff News in your Inbox:
Source: REUTERS
© Copyright 2024 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of Reuters content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Reuters. Reuters shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon.

INDIAN PREMIER LEAGUE 2024

INDIAN PREMIER LEAGUE 2024