World Cup 2006

How to win a Cup Final in Europe

2006-05-17T02:35:00.000-07:00

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

2006-05-17T02:31:00.000-07:00

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

2006-05-17T02:29:00.000-07:00

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

2006-05-17T02:27:00.000-07:00

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

2006-05-17T02:24:00.000-07:00

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.”

Gilberto warns: There's more to Barca than Ronaldinho

2006-05-17T02:21:00.000-07:00

Midfielder Gilberto has warned his Arsenal team-mates not to become obsessed by Ronaldinho in tonight's Champions League final against Barcelona.

The match at the Stade de France in Paris has been billed as a clash between the best two players in the world, in Ronaldinho and Arsenal's Thierry Henry. But Gilberto revealed there was no way he would be given the job of man-marking his Brazilian teammate with whom he will team up when Brazil attempt to defend their world crown in Germany next month. Gilberto said: ``To stop him we need to stop all of them. If we do our job like we have done in the last couple of games we have a good chance. ``I have never played against Ronaldinho. I have only played with him for the national team. Arsenal have never asked me to mark man for man.'' Gilberto's powerful presence, however, will be crucial in protecting Arsenal's defence from a Barcelona attack which is regarded as the most lethal and exciting in club football.

Wenger confident of Paris win

2006-05-17T02:19:00.000-07:00

Wenger is confident of his team's ability to overcome "the best team in Europe" in tomorrow's Champions League final.

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."

After victories over European giants Juventus and Real Madrid, Wenger says the confidence level in his young squad has never been higher.

Wenger added: "The biggest enemy of every sportsman is confidence. It goes so quickly.

"There were times when this team lost complete belief.

"They were difficult times but I could always rely on the experienced players not to give and rebuild confidence.

"I have tried to convince these players they are top quality. I am happy to have been proven right but this is another step we want to take.

"Barcelona are a very good team but playing at our best we can beat them. Even if it is the best team we will play in the Champions League this season, I still believe we can do it."

Wenger is also hoping for an entertaining final in tomorrow's match, with both teams known for their stylish attacking play.

Wenger continued: "I love football and I think everybody in Europe wanted this final. It is a pleasure for people who love football.

"It could be a crazy game if there's an early goal but it's difficult to predict. In a final the game can be locked for a while but at some moment it will open up."

Puyol: Henry's no one-man team

2006-05-17T02:18:00.000-07:00

The 28-year-old defender is likely to be given the unenviable task of marking Henry in Paris, but knows that Arsenal are far from a one-man team.

"You cannot focus just on one player because there are many great players who will be dangerous," said Puyol.

"Arsenal are a strong team defensively, in that all their players work very hard and they break forward very quickly."

He continued: "We know that we are capable of winning every title that we go for.

"The challenge is to work hard and not become complacent, because that would be our undoing. As usual, we intend to keep possession and work as a team.

Going to the Game: Barcelona vs Arsenal

2006-05-17T01:23:00.000-07:00

A good flight, a great lunch and then to the Champions Festival at the Eiffel Tower.
As you can see from the photograph the sky in Paris is overcast.
It's warm and sticky with speckles of rain blown by a blustery wind.
The local forecasters don't all agree but it's likely to be similar weather on Wednesday for the final.

I've met supporters of both teams - and both sides are forecasting a high scoring match.
Josep and Eduard who I talked to over a beer in a brasserie are convinced Barca will win by four clear goals.
Ronaldinho is the greatest they said - and next year Thierry Henry will be with us.
Words no Arsenal fan wants to hear.

Kevin from north London believes the Gunners will win 3:1 but he also admitted he fears - lose or win, Henry will be heading for Spain this summer.

This is yours truly, Bill Hutchison standing alongside the 'Cup with the Big Ears'
The Champions League Trophy - which is on display at the Champions Festival.
It's an awesome feeling just being close to soccer's holy grail
What it must be like to hold it high as the captain of a winning team defies the imagination.

Toni is a happy, smiling Barcelona fan I talked to at the airport and then met again at the Champions Festival.
Toni is certain Barca will win 3:1 - it's my photo editing that reduced his winning forecast by one.
I'm sure he'll forgive me - as long as his team wins.

An Arsenal fan gets in to the swing of things with the UEFA mascot.

Sir Alex still searching for Keane's replacement

2006-05-16T03:06:00.000-07:00

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson admits he has been forced to look abroad in a bid to fill the void left by Roy Keane's departure last December.

Over the past 25 years, United have relied on the battling qualities of Bryan Robson, Keane and, to a lesser extent, Paul Ince to provide the driving force from midfield. However, Ferguson believes there are no such players available in Britain at the moment. Lyon's £24million-rated midfielder Mahamadou Diarra is reportedly top of Ferguson's wanted list, while Villarreal playmaker Juan Roman Riquelme and Valencia's Aldo Duscher have also been linked with a move to Old Trafford. But while Ferguson hopes he can recruit a foreign replacement to match Keane's playing ability, the United boss accepts finding one with the same leadership qualities will be almost impossible. Ferguson told MUTV: 'It's not easy to replace Roy Keane, just as it wasn't when Bryan Robson came to the end of his career. We looked for a new Bryan Robson and fortunately we were very lucky to get Roy Keane. 'That scenario is on us again. We've got to get a Roy Keane and we've got to complete that quest in terms of getting that type of player who can influence not just the dressing room but also on the field 'We have some ideas in mind in that respect, maybe not exactly a Roy Keane-type but players who would add to the midfield. 'One of the benefits of Roy was, even though he was from the Republic of Ireland, it was like he was British, so there was no problem in terms of his culture and the language. He was a Manchester lad really, we brought him here from Nottingham at a young age. 'In the present situation where we're looking for a Roy Keane there is no-one, absolutely no-one, of that type in the English game. There are some good players in the English game but not a Roy Keane-type. 'So when we look abroad we have to take into consideration that he's not going to be a Roy Keane in terms of his influence in the dressing room because of culture, language, things like that. 'It will be a different type of player but hopefully it will be somebody who has the qualities that we need.'

Barcelona v Arsenal (Wed)

2006-05-16T03:03:00.000-07:00

Uefa Champions League final

Arsenal v Barcelona

Stade de France, Paris

Wednesday 17 May, 1945BST

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger could face a dilemma if central defender Philippe Senderos and stop-gap left-back Mathieu Flamini are declared fit.

Senderos (knee) and Flamini (hamstring) should be back from injury and will be challenging Sol Campbell and Ashley Cole for starting places.

Barcelona are giving forward Lionel Messi as much time as possible to recover from a thigh injury.

He has not played for two months because of the problem.

BIG MATCH NOTES

Undefeated sides clash in Champions League final

When Arsenal and FC Barcelona meet in Saint-Dénis on Wednesday, two undefeated sides will contest the final of this season's Champions League.

The two teams have recorded eight victories and four draws each in their first 12 matches.

It is the third time since the competition began in 1992 that two teams have reached the final unbeaten.

This also occurred in 1992/93 and 93/94. In the former final, Olympique Marseille beat AC Milan by 1-0.

Milan made amends in style the next season by beating Barcelona 4-0.

Arsenal retain watertight defence in knockout phase

Arsenal have not conceded a Champions League goal since 27 September 2005.

The sequences of 10 consecutive clean sheets and 919 minutes without letting in a goal are both Champions League records.

Rijkaard can join exclusive club

Barcelona coach Frank Rijkaard won the Champions League three times (1989, 1990 and 1995) as a player and hopes to join the short list of Champions Cup/Champions League winners as player and trainer.

Only four people have done this - Miguel Munoz, Giovanni Trapattoni, Johan Cruyff and Carlo Ancelotti.

Ancelotti was the last to accomplish the feat and he was one of the players who partnered Rijkaard as a player, winning the 1988/89 and 1989/90 Champions Cup trophies with AC Milan.

In the latter final, Rijkaard scored the only goal of the match as the 'rossoneri' overcame Benfica.

By 1995, Rijkaard had returned to the club where he started his professional career, Amsterdam-based side Ajax.

In the final against former employer AC Milan, he provided the assist for Patrick Kluivert's match winner.

Arsenal can complete a set of European silverware

If Arsenal beat Barcelona, they will add the missing piece in a set of European silverware.

In 1969/70, Arsenal's Fairs Cup win gave the Londoners their first European honours.

In 1993/94, the Gunners added the Cup Winners' Cup to their trophy cabinet.

Only four clubs, including Arsenal's opponents Barcelona, have won all three European competitions at least once.

Barca have won the Champions Cup/Champions League once, the Cup Winners' Cup four times and the Fairs Cup/Uefa Cup three times.

The other teams that have completed the set are Ajax, Bayern Munich and Juventus and therefore Arsenal can become the first English club to accomplish the feat.

Neither finalists have fond memories of shoot-outs deciding finals in European competition

In the 1979/80 Cup Winners' Cup final, Arsenal were denied by another Spanish side - Valencia - in a penalty shoot-out.

After 120 minutes of football, the match was scoreless. Valencia's Mario Kempes and Arsenal's Liam Brady both missed the opening spot-kicks.

The following nine were converted before Graham Rix saw his attempt parried by Valencia goalkeeper-turned-hero, Carlos Pereira.

Barcelona were involved in the most embarrassing penalty shoot-out, from the point of view of the takers at least, in the 1985/86 Champions Cup final.

Barca custodian Urruti saved the first two attempts by Steaua Bucharest, but surrendered two goals after that.

All four Barcelona penalties were saved by Steaua goalie Helmuth Ducadam, who became a European legend overnight.

In the final of the 1999/2000 Uefa Cup, Arsenal's shootout woes made Galatasaray the first ever Turkish winners of European silverware.

Gala goalkeeper Claudio Taffarel saw Arsenal's Davor Suker and Patrick Vieira both hit the woodwork, as his team mates made no mistake from the spot.

Definitions of terms used:-

Champions League (CL) - only group phase matches and beyond of this competition which began in 1992/1993.
Champions Cup/Champions League - all matches played since it began in 1955/1956 including qualification matches.
European matches - all matches played in the major European tournaments (Fairs Cup, Uefa Cup, Cup Winners' Cup, Champions Cup, Champions League).
Uefa Super Cups, Intertoto Cups and the old Intercontinental Cup competition are excluded.

Head-to-Head

FC Barcelona and Arsenal have met each other twice in Europe. In the 1999/2000 Champions League first round group phase, these sides drew 1-1 at the Camp Nou, but the Spaniards won 2-4 in London.

Arsenal players Thierry Henry, Fredrik Ljungberg and Dennis Bergkamp were involved in both encounters. Barcelona's Gabri made one substitute appearance, whilst Xavi and Carles Puyol were on the bench for both legs.

Barcelona have played 51 European matches against clubs from England and have won 24, drawn 14 and lost 13. The Spaniards have outscored the English clubs by 101-63.

Barca have been eliminated from European competition by English clubs on six occasions. They have eliminated English clubs from the knock-out stages 12 times.

The Catalan-based club have met English opposition in three European finals. After winning the Fairs Cup in 1958 and 1960 by defeating London XI and Birmingham City respectively, the Catalans lost the final of the 1991 Cup Winners' Cup against Manchester United (2-1).

Arsenal have played 20 European matches against clubs from Spain and have won seven, drawn five and lost eight.

Arsenal have been eliminated from European competition by Spanish clubs on three occasions, including the lost Cup Winners' Cup finals to Valencia (1980) and Real Zaragoza (1995).

Arsenal have knocked out three Spanish clubs from European competition, including Real Madrid in this season's Champions League second round.

European history

The best result by Barcelona in the Champions League is finishing runners-up to AC Milan in 1993/94.

In 1992, Barcelona won the Champions Cup. They have also amassed four Cup Winners' Cups, three Uefa Cups and two European Super Cups.

This is Barca's 10th season in the Champions League.

Arsenal's best result in the Champions League is reaching the final of this year's competition.

The Londoners are making their eighth appearance in the CL main competition.

Arsenal's European trophies are the 1969/1970 Fairs Cup and the 1993/94 Cup Winners' Cup.

Current European form

Barcelona are unbeaten in their last 12 Champions League matches. Their last loss was the 4-2 defeat at Chelsea last season.

Barcelona's club record unbeaten run in the Champions League stands at 16 and was set between May 2002 and April 2003.

Barcelona have kept a clean sheet in their last four CL matches, thereby equalling the club record for most successive clean sheets in the Champions League which was set between February and March 2003.

Together with Arsenal, Barcelona are the only unbeaten team in this season's Champions League.

Arsenal's undefeated run in the Champions League is now 13 matches, which is a club record in the competition. The club record in European competition stands at 16 and was set between September 1993 and April 1995.

This Champions League season, the Gunners have so far won eight matches and drawn four, outscoring their opponents by 14-2.

The only players that have scored against Arsenal this CL season are Nelson Ferreira (FC Thun) and Markus Rosenberg (Ajax).

Arsenal have kept a clean sheet in each of their last 10 CL matches. The previous CL record was held by AC Milan, who kept seven clean sheets in the 2004/05 season.

The 10 consecutive clean sheets also mark an all-time record in all European competitions. The previous record of nine was set by Ajax in the late 1980s.

The 919 minutes without conceding a goal is also a Champions League record, clearly ahead of Ajax's run of 658 minutes without conceding a goal, set in 1996.

Player and disciplinary info

Rafael Marquez, Carles Puyol and Mark van Bommel (Barcelona) will be suspended if they receive a yellow card.

Arsenal's Kolo Habib Toure and Matthieu Flamini will be suspended if they receive a yellow card.

Xavi is the most experienced Barcelona player with 57 CL appearances.

The other players in the Barcelona squad with at least 50 Champions League matches are Carles Puyol (56) and Deco (52).

Ronaldinho and Deco are the most prolific goalscorers in Barcelona's squad with 11 career goals in the Champions League. Samuel Eto'o is on 10 goals.

Ronaldinho (seven) and Samuel Eto'o (five) are Barcelona's top scorers this Champions League season.

Giovanni van Bronckhorst is the only Barcelona player to have played in every Champions League match this season.

Van Bronckhorst was signed from Arsenal in 2003. He played 11 Champions League matches for the Gunners.

Arsenal goalkeeper Jens Lehmann has been in goal for seven of the 10 clean sheet matches and also kept a clean sheet in his last match before this season's run - the 1-0 win against Bayern Munich.

In total, Lehmann has kept goal for Arsenal for 745 minutes without conceding a goal. This is a CL record previously held by Edwin van der Sar, who in the 1995/96 season did not concede a goal for 658 minutes while playing for Ajax.

The last player to score against Lehmann was Hasan Salihamidzic in the 65th minute of Bayern's 3-1 victory against Arsenal in last season's Champions League.

Thierry Henry is Arsenal's most experienced player and top scorer in this competition with 78 matches and 41 goals. His 69 matches for Arsenal in the competition are the most by an Arsenal player.

Henry has scored 49 goals in all European competitions and can become the seventh player to net 50 times if he scores against Barcelona.

Fredrik Ljungberg has made more appearances in the Champions League than any other Swede (59).

Kolo Toure (Ivory Coast, 36) and Lauren (Cameroon, 53) are also the CL record appearance makers for their countries.

Cesc Fabregas is the only Arsenal player to have appeared in every Champions League match this season.

Henry clinched his fourth English top scorer title this season by netting 27 goals in the Premiership.

Other miscellaneous facts

FC Barcelona have already clinched the Spanish league title.

Arsenal ensured themselves of Champions League qualification by finishing fourth in the Premiership.

How can Arsenal beat Barcelona?

2006-05-16T02:58:00.000-07:00

Barcelona

After seeing off Real Madrid, Juventus and Villarreal, Arsenal have just one more obstacle to overcome in their quest to become European champions for the first time.

But what an obstacle. Barcelona, La Liga champions and widely regarded as the finest club side on the continent, will stand in Arsenal's way at the Stade de France.

On paper, Barca are a formidable force with Ronaldinho, Eto'o, Deco, Giuly and Xavi offering pace, power and flair going forward, while Carlos Puyol marshals a defence which has conceded just four times in this season's competition.

So how can Arsenal penetrate such powerful opponents in Paris? Who do Barcelona fear in the Arsenal side? How will the Final be won and lost? We asked Inigo Gurruchaga of El Pais for his expert insight ahead of Wednesday's big game.

Inigo, Barcelona will start Wednesday's Final as favourites to win. But do they have weaknesses Arsenal can exploit?

"Their weakest point is in the full-back positions, where they don't have the same marking disciplines as they do in other areas of the pitch. The former Arsenal boys, Silvinho and Van Bronckhorst, are very good going forward but they are not natural defenders. The same applies to Presas Oleguer on the right, he is a super player but is more fragile defensively. Barcelona have very good defenders in the centre and Edmilson offers extra protection as the holding midfield player, but they can be exploited on the wings.

"The goalkeeper, Victor Valdes, is another possible weakness. There is a lot of pressure on him in every match. He is a very self-assured man but there have been games this season when he has been at fault and he doesn't have the stature of his team-mates. He's not in the Spanish squad and there is pressure on him performing in a big match like this."

England v Spain has been a common theme in European competition this season. What factors will decide Wednesday's game?

"Traditionally the question has been about which team imposes its rhythm on the game. There is a slower pace to the Spanish game, they wait and wait to find an opening, and some English teams in the past have been hypnotised by that. When Manchester United lost 4-0 in the Nou Camp, they were unable to find their rhythm, they couldn't measure their runs. But when an English team can put in place a high-tempo English game, Spanish teams can be blown away, they cannot cope. It's more ambiguous with Barcelona v Arsenal, but the rhythm of Arsenal's game is faster and if they can impose that then Barcelona will have difficulties."

How do you expect Barcelona to approach the game? Which Arsenal players do they see as the greatest threat?

"I think there is one big question for Barcelona and that is to stop Cesc Fabregas. Putting pressure on him in midfield will be the main focus for Frank Rijkaard. Deco and Edmilson will need to pressure him as soon as he has the ball and try to stop him finding his passes. Barcelona's aim will be find opportunities and stop Arsenal's counter-attacking game. The conducter for Arsenal has been Fabregas and it is a beautiful thing for Cesc because he comes from Barcelona and he ends the season against his childhood team, but they will look to break him. He looks for Henry and that is the point where Barcelona will have to put pressure on him. I think Villarreal did well, they gave him no space. Fabregas is a crucial link for Arsenal to move forward and Deco in particular will look to stop him deep in the Arsenal half."

How is Fabregas perceived in Barcelona and Spain?

"First, I should say that he was unknown a year ago. People ask who he is because they had not seen him play in Spain before he went to England, like for example Gaizka Mendieta or even Lauren and Reyes. They knew those players' background but Cesc was unknown because he hadn't had an opportunity at Barcelona. Now he is in the Spanish national side and there is a great curiosity about him. They have not seen him a lot and there are questions about how good he is. There is no resentment about him leaving, he is not seen as betraying Barcelona, he has taken the decision to have a beautiful life in London. It was a justified calculation to leave Barcelona because he had Xavi and Iniesta - both young players - ahead of him."

Arsenal aim to upset the odds

2006-05-16T02:57:00.000-07:00

Arsenal are in the Champions League final for the first time in their history - but they face a tough task in Paris when they play Barcelona.

The in-form Catalans recently retained their Primera Liga title and start Wednesday's game as favourites.

But can the Gunners expect to upset the odds? BBC Sport investigates how the omens are shaping up for the Gunners.

CAPITAL GAINS?

It may seem surprising that Arsenal are the first team from London to reach the final of the European Cup or Champions League.

But in the competition's 50-year history, only five countries have had a team from their capital city take the honours.

Spain leads the way, with Real Madrid's nine triumphs, which makes them by far the competition's most successful club.

Amsterdam-based Ajax have four wins - although some may argue whether they qualify as a capital city club.

Although Amsterdam is the capital of the Netherlands, the seat of government of the country is based elsewhere, in The Hague.

Lisbon-based Benfica earned back-to-back triumphs for Portugal in 1961 and 1962 but have not taken the crown since.

Crvena Zvezda, better known in English as Red Star Belgrade, lifted the crown in 1991. Now the capital city of Serbia and Montenegro, Belgrade was also the capital of the former Yugoslavia when the club won.

To date, the only other capital city club to lift the European Cup was Romania's Steaua Bucharest, who beat Barcelona on penalties to triumph in 1986.

Capital city clubs who have made it to the final and flopped are Partizan Belgrade (1966), Athens-based Panathinaikos (1971), Atletico Madrid (1974) and Roma (1984).

Despite their reputation as footballing powerhouses, England, Italy, Germany and France have never seen a team from their capital lift the crown - a fact Arsenal will hope to change.

Verdict: Bad omen

FIRST-TIME NERVES?

The 50 finals of the European Cup and Champions League have been contested by 37 different teams representing 13 different countries.

Of those 37 teams, 22 lost on their first appearance in the final. Only 15 teams have won on their first final appearance.

And there are some big-name casualties on that list.

Barcelona were beaten on their first appearance in the final in 1961 against Benfica - and AC Milan (1958), Ajax (1969) and Juventus (1973) also lost.

Others, such as Eintracht Frankfurt (1960), Panathinaikos (1971), Leeds (1975) and Malmo (1979) have never repeated their trip to the final after losing at their first attempt.

Verdict: Bad omen

ENGLISH HEART?

Much has been made of the continental flavour of Arsene Wenger's Arsenal side.

Their only regular English starters are Sol Campbell and Ashley Cole and injury has reduced both to bit-part players since the turn of the year.

But Arsenal can take heart from the fact that English clubs have by far the best record in Europe when it comes to first-time appearances in the European Cup final.

ENGLISH FINALISTS

There has been an English club in the final on 12 occasions

In those finals, the English club has won 10 times

FOUR different English clubs have won - more variety than any other European nation

Manchester United (1968), Liverpool, (1977), Nottingham Forest (1979) and Aston Villa (1982) all won in their first appearance in the final.

Of the English debutants, only Leeds, beaten 2-0 by Bayern Munich in 1975, did not taste success.

The first-time record of Spanish clubs is not great. Real Madrid won the inaugural tournament in 1956 but Barcelona (1961), Atletico Madrid (1974) and Valencia (2000) were first-time failures.

Italian clubs are among the biggest in European football but as first-time finalists they have not performed well. Their sole success (Inter Milan in 1964) contrasts with five failures - Fiorentina (1957), AC Milan (1958), Juventus (1973), Roma (1984) and Sampdoria (1992).

Four different French teams have reached the final and all lost on their first appearance. Stade de Reims (1956), St Etienne (1976), Marseille (1991) and Monaco (2004) were the unlucky outfits.

Even the ice-cool Germans have not fared so well. Bayern Munich (1974) and Borussia Dortmund (1997) won on their first final appearance. However, Eintracht Frankfurt (1960), Borussia Moenchengladbach (1977), Hamburg (1980) and Bayer Leverkusen (2002) slipped up.

Verdict: Good omen

LEAGUE OF CHAMPIONS?

The European Cup was only open to domestic league winners and the cup holders from 1955-56 until 1991-92.

WE AREN'T THE CHAMPIONS

1998-99: Manchester United
Finished 2nd in previous season

1999-2000: Real Madrid
Finished 2nd in previous season

2000-01: Bayern Munich
Finished 2nd in previous season

2002-03: AC Milan
Finished 4th in previous season

2004-05: Liverpool
Finished 4th in previous season

(Champions League winners who were not domestic champions)

Since the introduction of the Champions League in 1992-93, the competition has grown and teams that do not win their domestic league can enter.

The 13 Champions League campaigns to date have led to domestic champions crowned as winners on eight occasions.

On the other five occasions, a club that did not win its domestic league triumphed in the cup.

Arsenal were runners-up to Chelsea last season and must try to emulate Manchester United in 1999, Real Madrid in 2000 and Bayern Munich in 2001, who all won the competition after finishing second the previous season.

Barcelona qualified as champions, which would seem to give them the edge in terms of the overall history of the Champions League - but recent years have been favourable to clubs that did not top their domestic league.

Verdict: The jury is out

PAIN IN SPAIN?

Since the inception of the Champions League in 1992-93, English clubs have taken on Spanish clubs 66 times.

And it is very much advantage Spain.

BARCELONA v ENGLISH CLUBS

Played: 20

Won: 10

Drawn: 7

Lost: 3

(Champions League matches played since 1992-93)

Of the matches, Spanish clubs have won 28 times, compared to English clubs' tally of 18 - with 20 draws.

Plenty of English clubs have taken a beating against Spanish opposition, with Barcelona being punishers-in-chief.

The Catalans famously dished out a 4-0 humiliation to Manchester United at the Nou Camp in November 1994.

They beat Arsenal 4-2 at Wembley in October 1999 and thrashed Chelsea 5-1 in Barcelona in the quarter-finals in April 2000, overturning a 3-1 deficit in the process.

A 4-0 rout of Leeds United came in September 2000 and they beat Liverpool 3-1 at Anfield in the second group stage in November 2001.

Even the few English wins have not been entirely glorious.

ARSENAL v SPANISH CLUBS

Played: 14

Won: 5

Drawn: 4

Lost: 5

(Champions League matches played since 1992-93)

Newcastle's 3-2 home triumph in the group stage in 1997-98 was memorable in itself - but both clubs crashed out in the group stages.

Chelsea's 3-1 home win over Barca in the 1999-2000 quarter-final was undone by that 5-1 extra-time reverse in the Nou Camp.

Only the Blues' 4-2 home win over Barcelona in the 2004-05 quarter-final proved significant, helping them to a 5-4 aggregate win.

Verdict: Bad omen

THE FRENCH CONNECTION

Will Henry (left) or Ronaldinho be celebrating at the final whistle?

Many column inches have been written about the link between Paris and the two big stars who will be on display in the final.

Arsenal's Thierry Henry is returning to his home city, while Barcelona's Ronaldinho first moved to Europe in 2001 to play for Paris Saint-Germain, where he spent two seasons.

Both will want to be the returning hero - but as a four-time European Cup final venue, Paris has been kind and cruel to English and Spanish clubs.

Liverpool beat Real Madrid 1-0 there in 1981 to lift their third European Cup at the expense of the Spanish giants - but it was also the venue of Leeds' 2-0 defeat by Munich in 1975.

Real Madrid beat their compatriots Valencia 3-0 in the all-Spanish final of 2000, while the Galacticos saw off Stade de Reims in the first competition back in 1956.

Verdict: The jury is out

THE VERDICT

There is no denying that the omens justify Arsenal's tag of underdogs for the final.

The bad outweigh the good by three to one, with two split decisions.

Happily for the Gunners, omens do not always prove decisive - and they need look no further than last season's final for inspiration.

Liverpool were second favourites going into the match against AC Milan. And even hardcore Reds fans pretty much gave up as their side trailed 3-0 at half-time.

What happened afterwards - Liverpool fought back to 3-3 before winning 3-2 on penalties - is part of European Cup folklore.

And Arsenal will hope to become a part of that on 17 May.

Dixon bullish over Arsenal hopes

2006-05-16T02:23:00.000-07:00

Former Arsenal defender Lee Dixon has tipped the Gunners to beat Barcelona in Wednesday's Champions League final.

Dixon's confidence over Arsenal's chances in the final in Paris is also based on the way the Gunners have reserved their best performances this season for Europe.

Henry was born in the Les Ulis suburbs of Paris and one of the final's sub-plots will be whether the showdown will be the French international striker's final match for Arsenal.

The 28-year-old striker has yet to renew his contract, which ends in 2007, and has repeatedly been linked to Arsenal's Champions League opponents Barcelona.

Henry has said he will make a decision over his Arsenal future before the start of the World Cup on June 9.

In 1995 Dixon played in a second successive European Cup Winners' Cup final, although his memories of that occasion are altogether less happy.

Arsenal lost to Real Zaragoza in Paris in the Parc des Princes stadium after Nayim's astonishing lob over David Seaman in the game's final minute of extra-time.

Eleven years on, Dixon is anticipating Arsenal will be making a very different sort of history by winning the Champions League for the first time.

Fabregas: Arsenal are special

2006-05-16T02:20:00.000-07:00

Fabregas is the new fulcrum of a dynamic and mobile Arsenal midfield.

Fabregas has established himself as a key member of an Arsenal team who are about to contest their first Champions League final.

But the young Spaniard says that it was a difficult choice to make when choosing to leave his former club Barcelona for Arsenal.

Fabregas said: "It's very difficult to leave a great team but I knew I was going to join a great team as well.

Although it was difficult initially, Fabregas eventually settled in London and is enjoying life in the English capital.

Fabregas said: "If my experience was bad for in England, everyone would say 'why did you go? You're crazy' but no-one says that now.

"Everyone says 'can you find me a team in England, it looks easy'.

"It looks easy because I'm playing in the Champions League final and people think it's a good decision."

Gilberto included in Brazil squad

2006-05-16T02:16:00.000-07:00

Midfielder Gilberto Silva has been called up by the Brazillian national team for the World Cup finals in Germany.

Brazillian coach Carlos Alberto Parreira named a superstar squad earlier today.

Goalkeepers

Dida (AC Milan), Julio Cesar (Inter Milan), Rogerio Ceni (Sao Paulo)

Defenders

Cafu (AC Milan), Cicinho (Real Madrid), Lucio (Bayern Munich), Juan (Bayer Leverkusen), Roberto Carlos (Real Madrid), Gilberto (Hertha Berlin), Cris (Olympique Lyon), Luisao (Benfica)

Midfielders

Edmilson (Barcelona), Juninho Pernambucano (Olympique Lyon), Emerson (Juventus), Ze Roberto (Bayern Munich), Gilberto Silva (Arsenal), Kaka (AC Milan), Ricardinho (Corinthians)

Forwards

Ronaldo (Real Madrid), Robinho (Real Madrid), Ronaldinho (Barcelona), Adriano (Inter Milan), Fred (Olympique Lyon)

Red Bulls to host Bayern Munich

2006-05-15T03:10:00.000-07:00

The New York Red Bulls will face FC Bayern Munich in an international friendly match at Giants Stadium on May 27, the team announced Friday.

Bayern Munich, the 2005-2006 German Bundesliga champion, features German national team goalkeeper Oliver Kahn and Dutch striker Roy Makaay. The match will kick off at noon.

Shearer testimonial photos

2006-05-15T02:56:00.000-07:00

A huge banner of Alan Shearer hangs outside St James' Park ahead of the testimonial match in his honour

Empty seats are filled with masks of the Newcastle hero shortly before the turnstiles are opened at the ground

Thousands of fans spell out the name of the Newcastle record goalscorer as he emerges onto the pitch

Both Celtic and Newcastle form a guard of honour next to Shearer's famous shirt number etched into the turf

Shearer kicks off the encounter against the Scottish champions and is then immediately substituted

In an opening half of few chances Jean-Alain Boumsong manages to shield the ball from Celtic's Dion Dublin

The incredible atmosphere continues throughout the half-time interval as Paul Gascoigne takes part in a penalty shoot-out

The fans are rewarded in the second half of the match as Albert Luque gives Newcastle the lead

Shearer steps of the bench to score the winner from the spot after John Hartson's header had inspired Celtic

The 35-year-old celebrates in familiar fashion as he scores for the very last time in front of the passionate Geordie fans

Shearer returns for an emotional chat with Ant and Dec where he says that he is thrilled to have "lived the dream"

Deco warns Arsenal: 'Barca know how to defend'

2006-05-15T02:48:00.000-07:00

Deco believes Barcelona are better equipped to win the Champions League this season after becoming more defensively minded over the last year.
Last season the Catalan side were knocked out of the competition after conceding four goals to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge
That defeat, coupled with a loss to Real Madrid the same year, led to claims Frank Rijkaard's side lacked the tactical expertise to claim Europe's biggest prize.
However, this year a more resilient Barca have shown an ability to defend slim leads as they have progressed all the way to the final, where they will face Arsenal on Wednesday.
Barca demonstrated their new-found defensive nature in the re-match against Chelsea, winning 2-1 at Stamford Bridge before progressing with a 1-1 draw at home. Although Rijkaard has retained an attacking 4-3-3 formation, he includes a defensive player in either Thiago Motta or Edmilson in midfield and also has told forward-minded players like Deco to do their share of defending. In defence he has also preferred Oleguer Presas at right-back ahead of Juliano Belletti, who is known for his forward runs which often leave space at the back. Barca are known as a team of stars but Deco insists at the heart is a strong team spirit.

Road to Paris

2006-05-15T02:43:00.000-07:00

Arsenal get their Champions League campaign underway with a 2-1 win over FC Thun thanks to Dennis Bergkamp's late goal

Markus Rosenburg scores for Ajax during Arsenal's 2-1 win in Amsterdam, the last goal they let in on the way to the final

Thierry Henry surpasses Ian Wright as Arsenal's leading goalscorer with a spectacular brace against Sparta Prague

Robin van Persie nets a brace against Sparta at Highbury to give Arsenal a place in the last 16 of the Champions League

Robert Pires scores a late penalty as Arsenal beat FC Thun 1-0, a club record sixth consecutive European win

Arsene Wenger sees Thierry Henry miss a penalty as his side draw 0-0 with Ajax at Highbury in their last group game

Thierry Henry celebrates after scoring a wonder goal at the Bernabeu against Real Madrid in the first leg of the last 16

Jens Lehmann makes a stunning double save in the second leg as Arsenal draw 0-0 with Real Madrid to progress

Cesc Fabregas stars against Juventus in the quarter-finals, scoring the first and setting up Thierry Henry for the second

Pavel Nedved sees red at the Stadio Delle Alpi as Arsenal keep another clean sheet to comfortably make it to the semi-finals

Play is halted in the semi-final against Villarreal as a squirrel makes an unexpected appearance by the North Bank

Kolo Toure is mobbed by his team-mates after giving the Gunners the lead just before half-time against Villarreal

Jens Lehmann is the hero in the semi-final second leg at El Madrigal saving Juan Roman Riquelme's last-minute penalty

Lehmann's heroics seal victory for Arsenal - the Gunners will face AC Milan or Barcelona in Paris in the final on 17 May

Jose hails Ballack arrival

2006-05-15T02:41:00.000-07:00

Jose is looking forward to Germany captain Michael Ballack joining the Premiership champions.

Mourinho said: "I'm very happy with the conversation I've had with Michael and the reasons why he decided to come here.

MICHAEL BALLACK

Reyes loving it in London

2006-05-15T02:40:00.000-07:00

Reyes says he is more than happy in London and dismissed reports of him returning to Spain next season.

Reyes has been heavily linked with a move to Real Madrid but maintains that he is happy at Arsenal and wants to play at the new Emirates Stadium next season.

Reyes said: "I have to admit at the beginning of my stay in England, I did struggle a little bit and I thought about leaving the team.

"Now, with the help of my family and colleagues, I am very happy here and don't want to leave.

"No particular player helped me - we all help each other and I could not single out one person from my family because they all helped as well.

"Privately, they were telling me England is not such a bad place and just because I didn't speak English, it shouldn't be a barrier for my happiness at Arsenal.

World Soccer Week-End Wrap and League Standings

2006-05-15T02:39:00.000-07:00

Apart from some unfinished business in Spain's Primera Division the major European Leagues have all concluded the 2005-2006 season.

Chelsea, Bayern Munich, Lyon, PSV Eindhoven and Juventus all retained their respective Championship titles although Juve's 29th triumph may be the subject to the outcome of court proceedings - following allegations of match fixing.
Liverpool won a brilliantly exciting FA Cup Final by defeating West Ham on penalties after a 3:3 draw, while in Scotland Hearts eventually defeated little Gretna - also after a penalty shoot-out - to lift the SFA Cup.
In Portugal, FC Porto edged past Vitoria Setubal 1:0 to complete a Cup and League double.

Galatasaray defeated Kayserispor 3-0 to take the Turkish League Championship while FC Zurich's 2-1 road victory at Basel gave them their first Switzerland title for 25 years.
On Sunday, Shakhtar Donetsk overcame Dynamo Kiev 2-1 to clinch their second successive Ukrainian league title.

In the race to clinch money-spinning places in next season's european tournaments, Werder Bremen finished second in the German Bundesliga and clinch automatic qualification to the Champions League after defeating rivals Hamburg 1:2 while at the other end of the table FC Kaiserslautern, Cologne and MSV Duisburg were all relegated.

In Spain, the final european berths will be decided on Tuesday when Osasuna (5) host Valencia (3) and Real Madrid (2) travel to Sevilla (4).
Valencia are one point behind Real Madrid while Sevilla and Osasuna both have 65 points.
CD Alaves, Cadsiz and Malaga drop out of the Primera Division.

Lille clinched a Champions League third qualifying-round berth after a 2-2 draw at Rennes in France Ligue 1 while Lens defeated Nantes 3:1 to qualify for the UEFA Cup.
Olympique Marseille could only tie 1:1 with L1 runners-up Bordeaux and miss out on the major european competitions - although they will play in the Intertoto Cup.

Next up for soccer fans is the mouth-watering Europan Champions League Final match between Barcelona and Arsenal at the Stade de France in Paris, on Wednesday 17th May.
Not to be missed.

Wenger calm on player exodus fear

2006-05-15T02:36:00.000-07:00

Wenger is aware he could lose his major names in the summer

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger admits he is ready to deal with the summer exit of some of his key players but is firmly focused on Champions League glory.

Arsenal face Barcelona in Wednesday's final in Paris - potentially the last game for Thierry Henry, Ashley Cole and Robert Pires.

Midfielder Pires, who has only been offered a one-year extension to his Gunners contract, will make a decision over his future after the Paris final.

Wenger so hard to please

2006-05-15T02:32:00.000-07:00

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger says he won't be fully satisfied even if his side win the UCL final against Barcelona in Paris.

Wenger is hoping to make Wednesday night the highlight of his illustrious time in charge of the Gunners, but admits that unless he could win the competition every year he still wouldn't be totally happy.

ARSENE WENGER

"My career will never be good enough because that is the way I am," Wenger admitted.