English striker Dion Dublin was signed by Alex Ferguson for
Manchester United in the summer of 1992. However, an early season injury ended
his season and despite recovering he was unable to break into the team in the
following seasons. His transfer to Coventry in 1994 gave him a new lease on
life and he rediscovered his scoring touch. The 1997/98 season would be his
most successful. He would become joint top goalscorer in the English Premier
League and would also earn his first caps for England. He would narrowly miss
the Finals cut for the 1998 World Cup.
Photo
From:Calcio 2000, Issue 14, December 1998
(Dion
Dublin)
2- Terry
Venables and England 1994
Terry Venables had been tipped as a future England Manager for
years. When Graham Taylor was appointed England Manager in 1990, it appeared
that the opportunity might have passed him by for good. However, unexpectedly
he got the call in 1994. He was tasked to rebuild an England side that had just
been eliminated from the 1994 World Cup qualifiers, as well as preparing for the
1996 Euros that were to be hosted in England.
Photo
From:World Soccer, March 1994
(Terry
Venables)
3- Ivan
Zamorano and Real Madrid, 1994/95
When Jorge Valdano took over as Real Madrid Manager in 1994, he
openly wanted to remove Chilean striker Ivan Zamorano after a poor season. In
the end, Zamorano remained and gained Valdano’s trust. He regained his scoring
form and led Real Madrid to the League title in 1994/95 season by finishing as
the League’s Pichichi.
Photo
From:Onze-Mondial, Issue 54, July 1993
(Ivan
Zamorano)
4- Ivan
De La Pena and Espanyol Barcelona 2004/05
Barcelona midfielder Ivan De La Pena was once tipped as one of Spain’s
brightest future prospects and had shone at youth level. However, he stagnated
after a transfer to Lazio in 1998 and his loan to Olympique Marseille the next
season did not improve his prospects. He rarely played in the following seasons.
In 2002, he was released by Lazio and joined Espanyol. He slowly regained his
form as he started to get more first team action. The 2004/05 season would be a
very good season for him as he led the club to a fifth place finish. He also
finally achieved International recognition and gained all of his 5 caps in that
calendar year of 2005.
Photo From: World Soccer,
November 1995
(Ivan De La Pena)
5- Alain
Giresse and Olympique Marseille 1986/88
Loyal Bordeaux
Captain Alain Giresse was regarded on his way down in 1986 (aged 34). Bordeaux
prepared to replace him by signing young midfielders Jean-Marc Ferreri and
Phillipe Vercruysse. However, instead of winding his career quietly he was
enticed away by Bernard Tapie’s new project at Olympqiue Marseille. Tapie,
along with former France Manager Michel Hidalgo, were laying down the
foundations to create an excellent team in Marseille and Giresse was seen as a
much-needed experienced player in the project. Giresse would have two good
seasons before retiring in 1988 aged 36.
Barcelona
and IFK Gothenburg were paired in the Semifinals of the 1985/86 Champions Cup.
The
Spanish Giants under English Manager Terry Venables had won the League Title
the previous season after an Eleven Year wait.
The
squad included many current and former Spanish Internationals and led by the
controversial West German midfielder Bernd Schuster.
They
had qualified from their opening rounds by defeating Czechoslovakia’s Sparta
Prague (1-2 away, 1-0 home, away goals rule), Portugal’s Porto (2-0 home, 1-3
away, away goals rule) and most importantly the defending Champions, Italy’s
Juventus (1-0 home, 1-1) in the Quarterfinals.
The
Swedes, managed by Gunder Bengtsson, had last made an impression on Europe by
winning the 1982 UEFA Cup vs. SV Hamburg.
Their
squad also contained many International veterans as well as a number of players
who would transfer abroad in the coming seasons such as Johnny Ekstroem, Glenn
Hysen and Peter Larsson.
They
had qualified from their opening rounds by defeating Bulgaria’s Trakia Plovdiv
(3-2, 2-1 away), Turkey’s Fenerbahçe (4-0, 1-2 away)
and Scotland’s Aberdeen (2-2 away, 0-0, away goals rule) in the Quarterfinals.
The
first leg, on April 2nd, was played at Gothenburg’s Nya Ullevi
Stadion.
Barcelona
were the favored team initially and appeared confident after their elimination
of Juventus.
The
Swedes appeared more modest, their Manager Gunder Bengtsson declared that IFK
had only a ‘30% chance of qualifying’, ‘Barcelona is favored, if we win it will
be comparable to our UEFA win (in 82)’
The
result was a complete surprise as Barcelona were completely outplayed by the
Swedes.
Photo
From: France Football, Issue 2087, April 8, 1986
(Migueli and Tjorbron Nilsson, April 2, 1986,
Champions Cup, IFK Gothenburg 3-Barcelona 0)
Barcelona
were slow in defense and inexistent in midfield, most notably Schuster. The
squad was a pale shadow of the team that had eliminated Juventus. Barcelona
were missing Scottish striker Steve Archibald, Clos, Moratalla, Rojo (all
injured) and Ramon Caldere was suspended.
IFK
scored first in the 23rd minute. Johnny Ekstroem flicked with a
header Glenn Hysen’s cross to Torbjorn Nilsson to score.
Photo
From: France Football, Issue 2087, April 8, 1986
(Bernd Schuster, Tord Holmgren and Stig
Frederiksson, April 2, 1986, Champions Cup, IFK Gothenburg 3-Barcelona 0)
Just
before halftime, in the 43rd minute, Nilsson and IFK doubled their
lead.
On
the right side, Ekstrom crossed into the box for Torbjorn Nilsson, who dribbled
past a defender and scored.
After
being (0-2) down at halftime, Barcelona tried to get into the match in the
second half, but by opening up they allowed a third goal.
Photo
From: Marca, April 3, 1986
(April
2, 1986, Champions Cup, IFK Gothenburg 3-Barcelona 0)
In
the 59th minute, Ekstrom took the ball towards the net on the path
of Tom Holmgren, whose shot went between Javier Uruticoechea’s legs from a
narrow angle on the left.
IFK
could have scored more, as Torbjorn Nilsson also hit the post and they had two
penalty kick appeals that were denied.
Barcelona
dominated the last ten minutes. Julio Alberto missed a good chance in a one on
one with Thomas Wernersson and Marcos Alonso also hit the post.
While
Barcelona blamed the state of the pitch (slippery), it had been obvious that
the much faster Torbjorn Nilsson and Johnny Ekstroem were too much for
Barcelona veterans Migueli and Jose Ramon Alesanco.
Gunder
Bengtsson said he knew Migueli and Alesanco were slow and they could surprise
on the counterattack. He felt the game had been won at midfield.
Photo
From: L'Annee du Football 1986
(Victor and Tjorbron Nilsson, April 2, 1986,
Champions Cup, IFK Gothenburg 3-Barcelona 0)
He
made a mention of Roland Nilson who played well despite playing in that
position for the first time.
Stefan
Pettersson felt they had been underestimated, while Tord Holmgren asked
ironically ‘was Schuster playing?
Holmgren
went on to say that their spies had seen Barcelona play in the previous weeks
and had noticed that they were somewhat off form, but tonight against IFK they
were completely off form.
Photo
From: France Football, Issue 2087, April 8, 1986
(Jose Ramon Alesanco and Johnny Ekstroem, April
2, 1986, Champions Cup, IFK Gothenburg 3-Barcelona 0)
Torbjorn
Nilsson was realistic, he felt Barcelona could score three goals at home but he
was confident they could at least pull back one or even two.
He
was surprised to have played against such a slow defense, completely abandoned
by the midfield.
Nilsson
also felt they (IFK) were lucky Barcelona did not score near the end as it
would have been different in second leg.
He
was cautious that if Barcelona scored a quick goal they could hand them a
beating.
Venables
was confident of overturning the deficit. He believed it was not
insurmountable, but warned his squad. His main fear was IFK’s counter attacks.
April 2, 1986
IFK
(Idrottsföreningen Kamraterna) Göteborg(Sweden) 3-Fútbol Club Barcelona(Spain) 0
Champions
Cup- Semifinals, First Leg
Venue: Göteborg- Nya Ullevi
Stadion
Attendance: 48,000
Referee: Vojtech Christov
(Czechoslovakia)
Goalscorers: (IFK Gothenburg):Torbjorn
Nilsson 23rd,43rd,
Tom Holmgren 59th
(Barcelona):
None
Lineups:
IFK
Gothenburg:
1-Thomas
Wernersson, 2-Roland Nilsson, 3-Glenn hysen, 4-Peter Larsson, 5-Stig
Frederiksson, 6-Michael Andersson
(16-Per Edmund Mordt (Norway) 78th), 7-Stefan Pettersson, 8-Tord
Holmgren (14-Magnus Johansson 83rd),9- Tommy Holmgren, 10-Johnny
Ekstroem, 11-Torbjorn Nilsson
Coach:
Gunder Bengtsson
Team
Captain: Thomas Wernersson
Official
Kit Supplier/Designer: Adidas
Shirt
Sponsor: ICA
Uniform
Colors: Blue/White Vertical Striped Shirts, White Shorts, White Socks
Barcelona:
1-Javier
Uruticoechea, 2-Gerardo, 6-Jose Ramon Alesanco, 3-Migueli, 4-Julio Alberto,
5-Victor, 10-Esteban (15-Fradera 64th), 8- Bernd Schuster (West
Germany), 7- Francisco Carrasco (14-Pedraza 53rd ), 9-Raul Amarilla
(Paraguay), 11-Marcos Alonso
Coach:
Terry Venables (England)
Booked:
Fradera 78th (Foul on Johnny Ekstroem)
Team
Captain: Bernd Schuster
Official
Kit Supplier/Designer: Meyba
Shirt
Sponsor: No Advertisement on Shirt
Uniform Colors: Blaugrana Shirts, Blue
Shorts, Blue Socks
The
second leg, on April 16th , was played at Barcelona’s Estadio Nou Camp.
Barcelona were faced with a seemingly impossible task of
overturning a three-goal deficit.
For Barcelona, Sanchez replaced Gerardo in defense; in
addition, Ramon Caldere and Pichi Alonso came into the side replacing Amarilla
and Marcos.
Barcelona were still missing Scottish striker Steve
Archibald.
Barcelona
were condemned to attack, IFK chose to play the offside trap.
The
Swedes actually played well technically and many observers praised their style.
In
the end their reliance on the offside trap was criticized for being the reason
that their defense did not provide enough cover.
Venables
tried to adjust his tactics by taking advantage of the fact that IFK defended
in line (no man to man marking).
He
chose by aerially attacking them, as a result too many crosses into the box.
Photo
From: France Football, Issue 2089,
April 22, 1986
(Francisco Carrasco, April 16, 1986, Champions
Cup, Barcelona 3-IFK Gothenburg 0)
Barcelona
were extremely motivated and this was exemplified with Bernd Schuster playing
despite suffering from flu/fever.
Venables’
decision to start with Pichi Alonso would be an inspiring decision, as he would
go on to be the star of the match and score a hat trick.
Pichi
Alonso started the scoring in the 10th minute. Ramon Caldere from
the middle sent Alonso through and Alonso went past one marker and scored.
Photo
From: France Football, Issue 2089,
April 22, 1986
(April 16, 1986, Champions Cup, Barcelona 3-IFK
Gothenburg 0)
The
goal galvanized Barcelona but they also had some scary moments when Johnny
Ekstroem hit the post and Uruticoechea was forced to make many saves.
Barcelona
defender Jose Ramon Alesanco also accidentally scored an own goal. He was
trying to cut a cross from the right side and the ball deflected off of him and
hit the right post.
Photo
From: Onze, Issue 125, May 1986
(Julio Alberto, April 16, 1986, Champions Cup,
Barcelona 3-IFK Gothenburg 0)
Photo
From: Mondial, new series, issue 73, May 1986
(April 16, 1986, Champions Cup, Barcelona 3-IFK
Gothenburg 0)
Barcelona
scored the second goal in the 63rd minute. From his own half,
Caldere sent a long cross, Pichi Alonso took one touch to control and slotted
past Wernersson.
Just
seven minutes later in the 70th minute, Barcelona had tied the
aggregate score. Pichi Alonso scored with a downward header from a cross by
Carrasco on the left side.
Pichi
Alonso was so exhausted that he asked to be substituted and Francisco Clos
replaced him in the 75th minute.
Photo
From: Onze, Issue 125, May 1986
(Pichi Alonso’s third goal, April 16, 1986,
Champions Cup, Barcelona 3-IFK Gothenburg 0)
The
match went into extra-time. Barcelona had an appeal for a penalty kick for a
foul by Wernersson on Clos that was waived off.
The
match was finally to be decided on a penalty kick shoot-out.
After
seemingly falling behind, Barcelona once again rallied and against all odds won
the tie on a penalty kick shoot-out.
Their
goalkeeper Javier Uruticoechea came through at both ends. He saved Roland
Nilsson’s attempt and immediately scored from his own attempt.
At
the end of the match, Terry Venables was hoisted on his players’ shoulders.
IFK
Manager Bengtsson acknowledged they had met a strong Barcelona and
congratulated them in their triumph. He felt IFK had created some chances but
could not materialize.
The
enduring image of this match also remains a young Josep Guardiola celebrating
(he was one of the ball boys).
Venables
said afterwards, if he ever decided to write a book, his editor would throw it
in the garbage, as it was so unbelievable that even Hitchcock did not have so
much imagination.
Venables
was rewarded by signing a new one year contract extension with Barcelona after
being linked to Tottenham and Arsenal.
Initially
upon joining Barcelona, he had signed a 3-year contract with a clause to return
only to England. His new contract allowed him to leave after one year to
anywhere.
Barcelona
had qualified for the Champions Cup Final for the first time since 1961. The
Final in Seville that had seemed a formality was lost on a penalty kick
shoot-out vs. Romania’s Steaua Bucharest on May 7th, 1986 after a
scoreless match.
Afterwards
Schuster’s ongoing feud with Venables would reach a boiling point and he would
not play a single match the following season.
IFK
Gothenburg would build up on this performance. Despite losing Johnny Ekstroem
to Serie A’s Empoli in November 1986, the team would go on and triumph in the
UEFA Cup the following year in May 1987 vs. Dundee United.
April 16, 1986
Fútbol
Club Barcelona(Spain) 3-IFK (Idrottsföreningen Kamraterna) Göteborg(Sweden) 0
