PARIS, 18 May 2006 — Barcelona came back from a goal down to beat 10-man Arsenal 2-1 to win their second European Cup in the 50th anniversary final at the Stade de France yesterday.
Late strikes from striker Samuel Eto’o and substitute defender Juliano Belletti canceled out a first-half header from Arsenal defender Sol Campbell.
Arsenal became the first side ever to have a player sent off in a final when German keeper Jens Lehmann was dismissed after he caught Eto’o on the fringe of the area after the Barca striker had been put through by Ronaldinho in the 18th minute.
But the Londoners, who had dominated the opening exchanges, refused to fold and were rewarded when Campbell outjumped the Barca defense to thump a header inside the far post eight minutes before the break.
Arsenal looked to be on course for victory until Eto’o equalized after racing on to a neat flick from substitute Henrik Larsson 14 minutes from time. Brazilian Belletti grabbed the winner soon after when he battered a shot under keeper Manuel Alumnia.
