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On this day: Barcelona win first European Cup

On this day: Barcelona win first European Cup
© Reuters
Ronald Koeman's freekick in extra-time secured victory at Wembley.

Barcelona have been champions of Europe five times but it took them until 1992 to lift the trophy, then known as the European Cup, for the first time.

Here, the PA news agency marks the day they beat Sampdoria at Wembley for their first win in the competition.

First attempt

Barcelona's first final, against Benfica in Bern in 1961, started well enough when Sandor Kocsis gave them a 21st-minute lead.

But Benfica hit back to score three times through Jose Aguas, Antoni Ramallets and Mario Coluna and while Zoltan Czibor made it 3-2 Benfica lifted the trophy.

It was the first final not to include Real Madrid, who had won the previous five.

Second time unlucky

It took until 1986 for Barca to return to the European Cup final – where they faced Steaua Bucharest in Seville.

The team, including former Tottenham and Scotland striker Steve Archibald, were held to a 0-0 draw after extra time.

Jose Alexanko, Angel Pedraza, Pichi Alonso and Marcos all had their penalties saved by Helmuth Duckadam as Barcelona lost the shoot-out 2-0.

Wembley winners

Soccer – European Cup Final – Barcelona v Sampdoria – Wembley Stadium, London
Barcelona celebrate their win over Sampdoria. (John Stillwell/PA)

Barca's dream of reaching the top of European club football was finally realised when they toppled Sampdoria 1-0 in London in May 1992.

Ronald Koeman scored the only goal in extra time, his free kick finding the bottom corner from 25 yards, in the last final before the competition was rebranded as the Champions League.

The team, managed by Johan Cruyff, included Pep Guardiola, Hristo Stoichkov, Michael Laudrup and Andoni Zubizarreta and also won LaLiga that season.

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Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Barcelona17122350193138
2Real Madrid17114237162137
3Atletico MadridAtletico16105130111935
4Athletic Bilbao1795326151132
5Mallorca188371821-327
6Villarreal157532725226
7Osasuna176742225-325
8Real Sociedad167361611524
9GironaGirona176472325-222
10Sevilla176471823-522
11Real BetisBetis165651820-221
12Celta Vigo176382528-321
13Rayo Vallecano165561819-120
14Las PalmasLas Palmas165382227-518
15Getafe163761113-216
16AlavesAlaves164391827-915
17Leganes163671423-915
18Espanyol1642101528-1314
19Real ValladolidValladolid1733111234-2212
20Valencia152491323-1010


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