Barcelona’s 5 Greatest Matches in European Soccer

Barcelona has won five European Cups (Champions League titles) alongside other UEFA trophies. So there have been plenty of terrific Barcelona matches in European soccer. These are five of the best Barcelona matches played in European soccer.

1992 European Cup Final: V. Sampdoria

In 1992, Barcelona and Sampdoria contested the European Cup final. Barcelona had reached two European Cup finals before, but never won the coveted trophy. That would change in 1992 thanks to a Ronald Koeman goal in extra time, which settled the game. Cruyff’s dream team held out, and the score ended Barcelona 1 – Sampdoria 0. Admittedly, it was not a classic European Cup final for entertainment value, but it was the first time a Barcelona team lifted the European Cup.

1979 European Cup Winners’ Cup Final: V. Fortuna Düsseldorf

Barcelona played Fortuna Düsseldorf in the 1979 Cup Winners’ Cup final. This was a great final that had plenty of goals and the right result for Barcelona. They took an early lead after Tente Sanchez put them in front after five minutes. However, this lead would only last a few minutes as Düsseldorf equalized before the game had reached 10 minutes. Juan Manuel Asensi would put Barcelona back in front, but a goal from Düsseldorf shortly before half-time left the score line at 2-2 before the break.

The second half provided no further goals, and so the final went into extra time. During extra time, Barcelona scored a further two goals to ensure victory, while a consolation goal was then scored by Düsseldorf to leave the final score: Barcelona 4 – Düsseldorf 3. Barcelona had won the Cup Winners’ Cup for the first time

2006 Champions League Final: V. Arsenal

In 2006, their was another classic Champions League final, where they played Arsenal, who were playing in their first Champions League final. Both teams had some great players, such as Ronaldinho Gaúcho and Thierry Henry, and Arsenal started the game well. Arsenal’s goalkeeper, Jens Lehmann, was sent off early, reducing the Gunners to 10 men for most of the game.

Despite this, they still went ahead in the first half and held that lead into the second half. Barcelona would equalize in the final quarter of the game thanks to Eto, and then five minutes later, Belletti sealed the victory. The game ended 2-1, and they lifted a second European Cup title.

2011 Champions League Final: V. Man United

The Champions League final against Manchester Utd was played at the New Wembley Stadium. In this final, a great display of incisive passing, dominated possession for most of the game. They went ahead in the first half, although Utd managed to pull themselves back into the game with a Wayne Rooney equalizer.