When Paris Beat Barcelona's Dream Team
Relive the Historic Match in Full
Only the Most Optimistic Believed in Barcelona's Victory
In the annals of footballing history, few moments have been as iconic as the night when Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) stunned the seemingly invincible FC Barcelona dream team in the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup final of 1996. Led by the legendary Johan Cruyff, Barcelona had dominated European football for years, but on this fateful evening, they were undone by a resilient PSG side.
Despite being the underdogs, PSG entered the match with a tactical game plan that exploited Barcelona's vulnerabilities. With their lightning-fast wingers and a solid defense, PSG frustrated the Catalan giants and kept the scoreline level throughout the first half.
However, the game took a dramatic turn in the second half when PSG defender Bernard Lama made a miraculous double save to deny Barcelona's star striker, Hristo Stoichkov. This moment proved to be the turning point as PSG seized the initiative and began to press Barcelona relentlessly.
With just minutes remaining, PSG's dreams came true when Raí, the Brazilian midfielder, unleashed a thunderous shot that flew past Barcelona's goalkeeper, José Mari Bakero. The Parc des Princes erupted in a frenzy of celebration as PSG secured their first European trophy and ended Barcelona's reign of dominance.
The 2-1 victory against Barcelona remains one of the most memorable nights in PSG's history. It proved that with determination, hard work, and a touch of luck, even the underdogs can triumph over the most formidable opponents.
For Barcelona fans, the defeat was a bitter pill to swallow. However, it also served as a reminder that even the greatest teams are not invincible. The memory of that fateful night in 1996 continues to inspire both fans and players alike, proving that anything is possible in the beautiful game of football.
Watch the game back in full:
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