FCBARCELONA.CAT

30.04.2008 14:20

The English connection

Jesús Carrillo

FC Barcelona's Champions League campaign came to an end on Tuesday evening and once again the club's destiny in the competition was marked by a tie against a team from the English Premier League.

Both joy and sadness has come in matches against teams from England in recent seasons, with Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United and Liverpool all being involved in writing their names into the Blaugrana history books for one reason or another.

Arsenal

On the positive side for Barça, May 20, 2006 will always be remembered as the day that Frank Rijkaard's team defeated Arsenal in the Champions League final in Paris. Samuel Eto'o and Juliano Belletti scored to give the Catalan outfit a 2-1 win over Arsène Wenger's side.

Chelsea

Since Rijkaard took over the reins at Barça in 2003, English teams have had more of a negative influence however. In the Dutchman's first season in the Champions League, in his second year, José Mourinho's Chelsea defeated them.

The aggregate score was 5-4 to the Blues. After winning the first game 2-1 in Camp Nou, Barça let in three early goals to fall behind at Stamford Bridge before Ronaldinho netted twice to draw the Blaugrana level. It was not to be the visitors' night though as John Terry netted a decisive winner in the second half.

Liverpool

Last season Liverpool defeated Barcelona in the quarter finals of the competition. Rafa Benítez's team won 2-1 in Camp Nou thanks to goals from Craig Bellamy and John Arne Riise was enough to see the Merseyside outfit through on away goals after Eidur Gudjohnsen Barça victory in the second leg at Anfield.

Manchester United

This season, Manchester United put paid to Barcelona's dreams of reaching the final in Moscow. After a goalless first game in Catalunya, a single effort from Paul Scholes gave the Premier League team victory in the match at Old Trafford and in the tie.