Barca kicks Arsenal's ass in Europe

The Daily Telegraph

TEN-MAN Arsenal saw the Champions League crown snatched away in the final quarter of an hour early yesterday as Barcelona were crowned kings of Europe.

Arsenal goalkeeper Jens Lehmann became the first player ever to be sent off in a European Cup final when he was dismissed in the 18th minute of Arsenal's 2-1 defeat.

The German caught Barca striker Samuel Eto'o with his feet just outside the area as he raced towards goal.

The Cameroon international stumbled but managed to stay upright and fed the ball to Ludovic Giuly who drilled the ball into the net.

But Norwegian referee Terje Hauge pulled play back, sent off Lehmann and awarded a free kick to the Spanish champions outside the area.

Arsene Wenger's substitute goalkeeper Manuel Almunia produced a string of fine saves against the multi-talented Barca attack, then a shock headed goal by Sol Campbell in the 37th minute seemed to be taking Arsenal to their first European Cup success.

But Wenger's side were pegged back in the 76th minute when Henrik Larsson set up Eto'o to score at the near post and, in the 80th minute, substitute Juliano Belletti forced a low cross-shot in off Almunia's legs.

It was particularly cruel on Thierry Henry, whose rapier thrusts on the counter-attack kept the Barcelona defence under pressure all night.

He outshone the great Brazilian Ronaldinho, who had a largely frustrating night, but the Frenchman was denied three times by Barcelona goalkeeper Victor Valdes when he had clear chances.

"My players were heroes tonight but they were not rewarded. Football can be so cruel," Wenger said.

"We fought like lions and we can leave with our heads held high but what people will remember from what happened tonight is that Barcelona won and we lost."

A crestfallen Lehmann said: "Obviously, it was a bit tragic that I was out after 20 minutes. I got there a tick too late. It wasn't good.

"But the team did an excellent job. With 10 men we had a chance. Unfortunately, their first goal was an offside goal. It was cruel for us, after fighting so hard."

Bitter captain Henry later slammed referee Hauge, claiming: "Sometimes I think he was wearing a Barcelona shirt. If he didn't want us to win why didn't he say so at the start?

"In the first half they were kicking me all over the place but I was the one who got a yellow card. They kicked me on the knee, on the ankle, but I am not a woman, so I stayed on my feet."

Barcelona coach Frank Rijkaard admitted the early sending off of Lehmann had turned the game in his side's favour.

"Arsenal started really well and I think the sending off changed the game dramatically – there's no doubt about that," Rijkaard said. "It was a pity for the game itself, but you have to live with it."

Eto'o summed up Barcelona's joy.

"I joined Barca for moments like this . . . It's an incredible feeling to win. I wanted my son to see my team win the Champions League one day.

"I hope now that one day he will be able to see them win it again. It was a real shame that someone had to lose.

"Arsenal played really well, but that's the way it goes in football."