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Last Updated: Wednesday, 17 May 2006, 20:55 GMT 21:55 UK
Champions League final clockwatch
All the action as it unfolded from Barcelona's 2-1 win over Arsenal in the Champions League final.

2153: Barcelona skipper Carlos Puyol lifts the European Cup trophy high above his head as red-and-blue ticker-tape erupts into the night sky.

2149: Thierry Henry leads his Arsenal players up to collect their medals to huge applause from the hordes of yellow-shirted Gunners fans. Sent-off Jens Lehmann, wearing a white T-shirt, joins them.

Henry shakes his head as he walks off the platform past the referee.

2144: Henrik Larsson ran behind the goal after the game to celebrate with the Barcelona fans, who mobbed him, while the other players celebrated together.
John Sinnott, BBC Sport at the Stade de France

2143: In the end with the 10 men on a night like this they just couldn't keep Barcelona at bay. Just look at the chances they had at 1-0 to take the game away from Barcelona and if they had scored a second they would have won.
Mark Lawrenson on Five Live inside the stadium.

2142: FULL-TIME Barcelona 2-1 Arsenal
It's all over and Arsenal's dream is over as Barcelona's players celebrate victory in a dancing huddle.

Thierry Henry goes round and shakes the hand of each one of his team-mates.

Barcelona win thanks to their two late second half goals from Samuel Eto'o and substitute Julian Belletti.

2140: Manuel Almunia holds a shot from Ludovic Giuly who is denied the chance of a quick clearance by Henrik Larsson, who is booked for blocking him.

2140: The fourth official signals a minimum of three minutes additional time - not much time now for Arsenal to turn things around.

2139: Arsene Wenger is in furious mood and is remonstrating with the referee. Meanwhile a huge thunderstorm has erupted round the ground but it does not bother the Barcelona fans who are going absolutely mad.
John Sinnott, BBC Sport at the Stade de France

2138: Play is now held up while Nuno Marquez receives treatment after a clash with Jose Antonio Reyes.

2137: Barcelona win a corner after Ludovic Giuly's shot is deflected. This is not what Arsenal want at this late stage.

2135: The game looks dead and buried. They are still playing four at the back. I can't understand why one of them doesn't go forward.
Former Arsenal defender Lee Dixon on Five Live at the stadium

2134: Arsene Wenger is sitting in his seat in the dugout while assistant manager Pat Rice is at the front of the technical area trying to raise the team.
John Sinnott, BBC Sport at the Stade de France

2134: Arsenal cannot get hold of the ball as Barcelona calmly play it around.

2132: Arsene Wenger makes a change to try to save the game with Jose Antonio Reyes coming on for Alexsander Hleb.

2130: Different game for Arsenal now. They have to push out and try to win the ball from Barcelona who will just try to keep it.
Mark Lawrenson on Five Live inside the stadium.

2129: Straight after the goal Henrik Larsson was the only player not to celebrate. Instead he went straight back to the centre for the kick-off.
John Sinnott, BBC Sport at the Stade de France

2128: GOAL Barcelona 2-1 Arsenal
Disaster for Arsenal as substitute Juliano Belletti puts Barcelona ahead. Henrik Larsson plays a brilliant reverse ball through to the substitute who drills the ball through the legs of Manuel Almunia from a very tight angle.

2126: Straight after the goal 11 red flares were let off at the Barcelona end leaving smoke inside the stadium.
John Sinnott, BBC Sport at the Stade de France

2125: GOAL Barcelona 1-1 Arsenal
Arsenal are shattered as Henrik Larsson flicks a ball on to Samuel Eto'o inside the area and he guides the ball inside Manuel Almunia's near post to equalise.

It is the first goal Arsenal have conceded in the Champions League in 995 minutes.

2124: I've no nails left now. They have all gone on my right arm and I am starting on my left arm. Kolo Toure has been inspirational at the back - he's organising, talking and making some crucial tackles.
Former Arsenal defender Lee Dixon on Five Live at the stadium

2122: Arsenal make their first change with Cesc Fabregas going off to be replaced by Mathieu Flamini.

While the change is made an exhausted Thierry Henry goes down on all fours to take a breather as he prepares to take a corner, which he won himself.

2121: Ronaldinho wriggles into the Arsenal area but Ashley Cole does enough to put him off and force him to shoot wide.

2119: Barcelona make their second substitution with Juliano Belletti replacing Oleguer, who has just received a yellow card.

2118: Arsenal fans rise as Thierry Henry suddenly gets ahead of the defence but his low shot is saved by Victor Valdes in a one-on-one situation.

2117: Freddie Ljungberg speeds away once again, this time away from his own penalty area, but Barcelona full-back Oleguer is booked for bringing him down.

2115: Freddie Ljungberg pounces on a mistake by the defence and tears into the Barcelona area but his fierce shot is tipped away by Victor Valdes for a corner.

2114: I wouldn't make any changes for Arsenal at the moment and would leave it as it is for another 10 minutes.
Mark Lawrenson on Five Live inside the stadium.

2113: Thierry Henry produces some brilliant skill on the left wing to beat Carlos Puyol and race into the area but then he just overhits the ball and Victor Valdes gathers.

2112: The referee gives a free-kick against Ronaldinho for diving just outside the Arsenal penalty area.

2111: What a great chance for Arsenal that was! A quick break sees Thierry Henry roll the ball to Aleksander Hleb on the right-hand side of the area. He cuts inside but then tamely hits his shot past the post.

2110: Ronaldinho horribly miscues inside the Arsenal area from a left-wing cross and the ball rolls well wide of the goal.

2108: Ashley Cole's throw suddenly frees Thierry Henry inside the penalty area but he is denied by a great tackle from Rafael Marquez.

2107: Manuel Almunia comes to comfortably gather a left-wing cross from Ronaldinho to avert more danger from Barcelona.

2105: Ronaldinho makes a powerful run into the left-hand side of the Arsenal area but his cross bounces away to safety off the body of Manuel Almunia.

2104: Ronaldinho takes the kick himself but it goes straight into the wall.

2103: Ronaldinho goes down just outside the area under a tackle by Kolo Toure and Barcelona get a free-kick in a dangerous position.

2101: Again Andres Iniesta is involved as he runs at the Arsenal defence and fires in a low shot which Manuel Almunia holds. The ball skidded along the surface, which has now become greasy because of the rain.

2100: Meanwhile cries of "1-0 to the Arsenal" ring out round the stadium.

2059: Thierry Henry is very harshly booked for a tackle on Mark van Bommel. TV replays show that Henry was actually kicked by the Dutchman.

2058: Andres Iniesta has definitely made a difference for Barcelona. He is involved in yet another move but the ball eventually is gathered by Manuel Almunia.

Barcelona have made a good start to the second half - it could be a long 40 minutes for Arsenal fans.

2056: Deco gets away from Gilberto just outside the Arsenal area, but his low shot is comfortably well held by Manuel Almunia.

2055: Andres Iniesta is involved straight away, freeing Mark van Bommel on the right but his cross flies harmlessly over the bar.

2053: Arsenal get the second half under way, possibly just 45 minutes away from immortality in N5, as rain starts to fall in Paris.

2052: The teams are back for the second half and as predicted Andres Iniesta replaces Edmilson for Barcelona in the only half-time change.

2045: At half-time people using our player rater have rated Thierry Henry as Arsenal's best player with an average score of 7.87 with Sol Campbell second on 7.11. Ronaldinho received the highest score for Barcelona with 7.65 ahead of Samuel Eto'o on 7.36.

Results of polls taken on the Rater at half-time showed 61% of our users believe Arsenal will hold on to their lead in the second half while 64% feel that Jens Lehmann should not have been sent off and the Barcelona goal should have stood.

Why not give us your opinions in the second half - just click on the Player Rater link on the right-hand side. If you are reading this on your WAP phone, go to the Football index and scroll down to the Player Rater heading.

2037: I've never been kissed by so many strangers and I'm being offered beer left right and centre. When the goal went in they just went crazy!
BBC Five Live's Dot Rees in the Highbury pub outside Highbury.

2036: We can't see what the referee can but looking at the view that he had i am surprised that he couldn't see Giuly. Having said that, would we want Arsenal to go 1-0 down?

I just felt that the referee could have held on. I think Arsenal have been superb. Before the sending-off they were in control. The selection of Rijkaard in bringing Eto'o out a bit showed they were scared. Since the sending-off Arsenal have handled it very well.
Graham Taylor on Five Live from the stadium.

2036: Iniesta's warming up and looks set to come on for the second half.

2036: It's had everything - my voice has gone. Arsenal started the game so well and put a lot of energy into it. Now they have been reduced to 10 men it is an uphill task but it was important that if there was a goal to be scored that they got it.
Former Arsenal defender Lee Dixon on Five Live at the stadium

2035: HALF-TIME Barcelona 0-1 Arsenal
A breathless first half ends with Arsenal ahead thanks to Sol Campbell's header. The goal comes against the odds after keeper Jens Lehmann is sent off earlier in the half.

Thierry Henry had two good early chances but Samuel Eto's shot was turned on to the post in injury-time.

Henry is speaking to the referee as the players walk off the pitch - he may be giving his views on Jens Lehmann's sending-off.

2034: Thierry Henry is furious at not being awarded a corner after racing clear of the Barcelona defence and eventually hitting a shot past.

2033: Manuel Almunia keeps the scores level with a wonderful save from Samuel Eto'o. The striker turns past Sol Campbell and hits a shot which the substitute keeper brilliantly tips on to the post.

2030: Samuel Eto'o has gone back into centre where he normally plays while Ronaldinho has moved back to the left. I noticed after the goal that Thierry Henry did not celebrate - but instead told his team-mates to calm down and concentrate.
John Sinnott, BBC Sport at the Stade de France

2027: Down to 10 men in open play you are going to struggle to make the chances. It was a fantastic cross from Henry but don't undrestimate the finish.

The timing of the run and the power of the header was outstanding. Arsenal must make sure they go in 1-0 up at half-time now.
Mark Lawrenson on Five Live inside the stadium.

2027: You look at the free-kick and Sol Campbell putting it in. It was a great header and a very well-timed jump. This now lifts everybody.

There was that period of time when they went down to 10 men but this particulary goal gives you a lift whether you are 10 men or not and puts the belief into you that you can do it. What a massive lift for Arsenal.
Graham Taylor on Five Live from the stadium.

2025: Giovanni van Bronckhorst sportingly ensures the ball is kicked out of play so that the injured Eboue can receive treatment.

2023: GOAL Barcelona 0-1 Arsenal
Incredibly Sol Campbell puts 10-man Arsenal ahead. The England centre-half rises to place a thumping header into the net from close range from Thierry Henry's right-wing free-kick.

2022: Mark van Bommel brings down Ashley Cole on the left, halfway inside the Barcelona half, to give Arsenal a free-kick. It comes to nothing but the ball works its way over to the right where Eboue wins a slightly dubious-looking free-kick.

2020: Ronaldinho tries to release Ludovic Giuly but brilliant covering from Kolo Toure allows Manuel Almunia to gather the ball safely ahead of the striker.

2019: Alexander Hleb plays a neat one-two on the edge of the Barcelona area but cannot get the ball into the box.

2017: Giovanni van Bronckhorst is being booed by Arsenal fans every time he touches the ball.
John Sinnott, BBC Sport at the Stade de France

2014: A superb tackle by Ashley Cole on Ludovic Giuly inside the area concedes a corner but prevents anything worse.

2011: Arsenal had shown promise with the five men in midfield but now they are down to four it is going to be hard work for the next 70 minutes or so.
Former Arsenal defender Lee Dixon on Five Live at the stadium

2011: The sending-off decision has changed things now and I think it is going to be difficult for them.
Graham Taylor on Five Live from the stadium.

2010: I think the referee never saw Giuly which is why he blew straight away. The referee had already made his mind up when contact was made on Eto'o.
Mark Lawrenson on Five Live inside the stadium

2010: The game is starting to get nasty. Rafael Marquez goes right through the back of Thierry Henry but escapes punishment.

2009: Eboue receives a yellow card for a dreadful high tackle on Giovanni van Bronckhorst. It could have been worse for him and Thierry Henry goes to talk to the youngster to calm him down.

2007: The sending-off seems to have sparked the Arsenal fans into life.
John Sinnott, BBC Sport at the Stade de France

2004: SENDING-OFF Jens Lehmann (Arsenal)
Dramatic scenes as Arsenal keeper Jens Lehmann becomes the first man to ever be sent off during a Champions League or European Cup final.

Lehmann comes out of his area to meet the onrushing Samuel Eto'o and brings him down. The ball runs to Ludovic Giuly who tucks it away but the goal does not stand as the referee has already blown for the foul.

Manuel Almunia, who was not even wearing his shirt, is brought on as a substitute to face the resultant free-kick with Robert Pires the man sacrificed in what may be his last game for Arsenal.

As Lehmann walks sadly off, he gives Almunia a pat on the back and a word of encouragement.

2003: Jens Lehmann safely holds a drilled shot from Deco.

2002: Gilberto is called into action again - this time heading away Ronaldinho's right-wing cross.

2001: A quick Arsenal move sees Gilberto's long ball reach Thierry Henry with two defenders just outside the Barcelona area. Henry controls the ball, turns and tries to feed the onrushing Robert Pires but his pass is just cut out by a defender.

2000: Sol Campbell is penalised after colliding with keeper Victor Valdes while challenging to reach a free-kick.

1958: Ronaldinho lines up a free-kick from fully 30 yards out but his curling shot is always going to land comfortably wide of the near post.

1956: Barcelona are constantly trying long diagonal passes trying to find their two wide men Samuel Eto'o and Ludovic Giuly - they seem to want to get Eto'o up against Eboue.
John Sinnott, BBC Sport at the Stade de France

1954: Jens Lehmann is called into action for the first time as he blocks a stinging shot from Ludovic Giuly from the right-hand side of the penalty area.

1954: A left-wing cross finds Ronaldinho on the edge of the Arsenal area but his first touch lets him down and the ball is cleared.

1953: It was a brilliant start by Arsenal. Thierry's touch for the first one was amazing. Their passing is sharper than Barcelona's already.
Former Arsenal defender Lee Dixon on Five Live at the stadium

1949: Thierry Henry has a great chance to give Arsenal an amazing third minute lead. He gets clear in the area but Victor Valdes makes a superb save to deny him from close range.

From the corner Henry collects the ball on the edge of the area, beats a defender and fires in a fierce shot but Valdes again denies him to keep the score goalless.

1947: Ronaldinho has lined up in the middle with Samuel Eto'o on the left - this is unusual because normally it is the other way round. Whether they stay that way - who knows?

1946: Barcelona kick off the game.

Build-up to the match (all times BST):

1944: I am still going to stick at the 1-0 and it could go either way. I don't think we'll see a lot of goals. That is why I'm saying Arsenal are still in the game and it is that tight - it's a hard one to call.
Graham Taylor on Five Live from the stadium.

1942: The teams march out into the stadium - passing a table with the trophy standing proudly on top of it.

As the teams line up for the Champions League anthem, 11 young Arsenal mascots line up with the Barcelona players while 11 mascots from the Catalan club are with the Gunners team.

1941: The intricate opening ceremony continues on the pitch. Currently a huge sheet with a series of numbers on it is being carried towards the touchline by an army of people.

Even more people, dressed completely in white, are now running in circles and now lining up in one penalty area.

They now face each other and two huge banners - one with the badge of each club are hoisted high in the air to huge applause around the stadium.

1940: The teams leave the dressing-rooms and stand alongside each other in the tunnel. There is a very friendly atmosphere with players exchanging hugs and handshakes.

Arsenal are in their yellow away strip while Barcelona are wearing their famous red and blue stripes.

1936: The Barcelona fans have just unfurled a huge banner in Spanish which says "Motto" meaning "more than a club". It is dominating most of the lower tier. They are much more vocal then the Arsenal fans who seem much more subdued.
John Sinnott, BBC Sport at the Stade de France

1933: The Barcelona fans in columns of blue and red all waving and enjoying themselves. The Arsenal fans are in columns of yellow and white and not moving.
Five Live's Mark Saggers inside the ground.

1927: It's amazing how many people I know here who I have seen while walking around the stadium. It is a tremendous night for the players and management but for the fans it is extra-special.
Former Arsenal defender Lee Dixon on Five Live.

1926: The fans are just beside themselves with excitement at the moment. I am told that if you can't be in Paris this is the best place to be. It is fever pitch in here.
BBC Five Live's Dot Rees in the Highbury pub outside Highbury.

1914: For the first time ever I am going to put away the coaching hat and just be a fan. These occasions are too close to call and it could come down to a set play.
Arsenal legend Tony Adams on Five Live from the ground

1913: The Barcelona end is completely full and the Arsenal end looks about two-thirds there. The Barca fans are making the most noise and both teams are out warming up now.

There is a fantastic atmosphere - a really incredible amount of noise and it is difficult to hear yourself let alone think.
John Sinnott, BBC Sport at the Stade de France

1905: I think Thierry Henry will leave Arsenal in the summer - I have felt that for a period of months. I hope he is staying and he doesn't owe Arsenal anything, he has given everything to the club. I desperately want to continue seeing him playing in the Premiership but I am convinced he is going.
BBC Five Live commentator Alan Green

1850: The team news has arrived.

Arsenal decide to start with Robert Pires and Ashley Cole and Barcelona prefer Mark van Bommel to Andres Iniesta while Javi is on the bench but Lionel Messi has failed to recover from a thigh injury.

Full line-ups - Arsenal: Lehmann, Eboue, Toure, Campbell, Cole, Ljungberg, Hleb, Gilberto, Fabregas, Pires, Henry.

Barcelona: Valdes, Oleguer, Puyol, Marquez, Van Bronckhorst, Edmilson, Van Bommel, Deco, Giuly, Ronaldinho, Eto'o.

1845: John Sinnott, BBC Sport at the Stade de France
I have just met Brazilian World Cup winner Leonardo, who predicts the score will be "1-0 to the Arsenal because they are more organised".

1840: Arsenal's players arrive at the Stade de France for the biggest club game of their lives.

Champions League final photos
17 May 06 |  Photo Galleries
Player rater
21 Mar 06 |  World Cup 2006
Minute by minute updates
17 May 06 |  Europe
Build-up to Barcelona v Arsenal
17 May 06 |  Europe


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