How to win a Cup Final in Europe

So how do you win a European final? As Arsenal's clash with Barcelona draws ever closer, we're taking a trip down memory lane to show you how.

Parma, with Tomas Brolin, Faustino Asprilla and Gianfranco Zola in their prime, were the overwhelming favourites when Arsenal met them in the Cup Winners' Cup Final in Copenhagen, but George Graham's team pulled off a shock triumph.

Alan Smith's left-foot volley bounced in off the post to give Arsenal a first-half lead and a sterling defensive effort, plus some vital saves from David Seaman, secured victory against the odds.

Wenger backs Arsenal to triumph

Wenger backs Arsenal to triumph

Uefa Champions League final Arsenal v Barcelona Stade de France, Paris Wednesday 18 May, 1945BST

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is confident his team can beat Barcelona in Paris to win the Champions League.

He said: "I always believed there was something special about this team. They have a combination of humility, hunger, strength, togetherness and talent.

"We have worked hard and improved a lot - now we want to finish the job.

"When you get to the final you want to take the cup home and I am convinced we are ready for the challenge. We have peaked at the right moment."

Wenger believes his side's victory over Real Madrid in the first knockout stage gave his players the belief that they could lift the trophy despite their patchy form in the Premiership this season.

Jose dismisses Simao link

Chelsea manager Murinho has dismissed rumours suggesting Portugal winger Simao Sabrosa is about to move to Stamford Bridge.

The Benfica star was a target for Liverpool last summer and in the January transfer window, but a deal could not be negotiated and he eventually ended up playing a major role when the Lisbon club knocked the Reds out of the UCL.

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez is still believed to be keen to land the 26-year-old, but press reports suggested the Premiership champions were poised to win the race for his signature.

Real Madrid finish second despite another loss

Real Madrid lost 4-3 at Sevilla but still finished second in the Primera Liga as Osasuna beat Valencia 2-1 to qualify for the Champions League for the first time in their last games of the season on Tuesday.

Goals from David Beckham put Real two up inside 26 minutes but UEFA Cup winners Sevilla stunned the visitors by scoring four times before the break to take control of the game

Zinedine Zidane, in his last match as a Real player before retiring, pulled a goal back in the second half.Real finished behind champions Barcelona with 70 points to earn a place in next season's Champions League group stage.Valencia were third with 69 after Savo Milosevic and David Lopez scored for Osasuna, who came fourth with 68.

Wenger - Fitting script for departing Bergkamp

The last act in the dramatic career of Bergkamp will be written on Wednesday and, according to Arsène Wenger, the script is almost perfect.

The Dutchman will retire after the Champions League Final against Barcelona in Paris, bringing the curtain down on a 20-year footballing life that has been full of wonderful goals and silver-lined with trophies. Bergkamp was not signed by Wenger but is the epitome of the side he has created — stylish, technical and professional. The manager feels that a swansong in Europe’s top club game could not be more fitting.

“You can say that Dennis has battled for 10 years to get us where we are," he said. "So I am especially happy for him to be in the Champions League Final on the last day of his career. It could not be a better script for him.”