FCBARCELONA.CAT

20.05.2007 11:46

Wembley, Barça’s finest hour

Berta Brau

This Sunday marks the 15th anniversary of one of the most magnificent evenings in the club’s history. Exactly a decade and a half ago, FC Barcelona finally conquered the European Cup.

Wednesday May 20, 1992 will always be a historic date for Barça fans. It was the night the dream finally came true, and Johan Cruyff’s side beat UC Sampdoria to claim the European title at Wembley, winning in 1-0 in extra time with that thunderbolt free kick from Ronald Koeman.

Uneasy opening

The game got off to an irregular start, with both teams squandering chances, and by half time there was absolutely nothing decided, and both sides still fancied their chances of winning the cup for the first time. The second half was a more frantic affair, but despite plenty of creative football from both outfits, there were still no goals. Barça came closest with a Salinas effort that Pagliuca finger tipped away, while Stoichkov hit the post. Sampdoria also threatened with a Vialli strike that went just wide of Zubizarreta’s post. But, it all ended goalless, and the agony of extra time awaited.

A goal to remember

Cruyff’s side took the initiative in the extra period, while Boskov’s players seemed intent on risking a counter-attacking game. And the moment Barça fans will never forget came in the 111th minute. Eusebio was fouled on the edge of the area. Free kick, Stoichkov tapped the ball to Bakero, and long-range free-kick specialist Koeman ran through to send a cracking shot straight into the back of the net. Jubilation exploded among the players, the coaches, the fans in the stadium and all around Catalonia. Barça’s dream had come true; at last we were champions of Europe.