FC Barcelona

FC Barcelona — page 1

FC Barcelona — page 2 — 5 Barcelona's Hristo Stoichkov makes a move against a Sampdoria defender CHAPTER 1 CONQUERING EUROPE By the early 1990s FC Barcelona was the envy of much of the soccer world It was a giant in the Spanish league Barcelona had won multiple league and tournament titles It had the undying support of the people of Catalonia a unique region of the country that views itself as separate from the rest of Spain But one award was missing from the club's trophy case the European Cup the biggest prize in European club soccer Barcelona's fans were hopeful that was about to change Manager Johan Cruyff a former superstar for Barcelona and the

FC Barcelona — page 3 — Michael Laudrup avoids a Sampdoria defender's sliding tackle Dutch national team had assembled what became known as the Dream Team It was a talented group of exciting attackers artful midfielders and steely defenders collected from across Europe Spanish stars Pep Guardiola and José Mari Bakero combined with Danish playmaker Michael Laudrup in the midfield Dutch defender Ronald Koeman anchored the back line and devastated opponents with his free kicks Bulgarian striker Hristo Stoichkov meanwhile was one of the world’s most dangerous goal scorers Together they made a powerful team On May 20 1992 they gathered under the lights of London’s famous Wembley Stadium They were within one victory of capturing that elusive prize The European club championship now known as the UEFA Champions League was on the line Coming Close Since the competition began in 1955 56 Barcelona had several strong showings at the European Cup But each time it fell short In 1961 and 1986 Barcelona had advanced all the way to the final only to lose 6

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