A Spanish conquest

It was a fitting outcome for Frank Rijkaard8217;s side who battered the London club throughout the second half after Arsenal became the first side ever to have a player sent off in a European Cup final.

Rijkaard, who steered Barca to a second successive Spanish title this season, became only the fifth man to win the European Cup as a player and a manager.

Norwegian referee Terje Hauge showed German keeper Jens Lehmann a straight red card after he caught Eto8217;O on the fringe of the area after the Barca striker had been put through by Ronaldinho in the 18th minute.

Manager Arsene Wenger brought on Spanish goalkeeper Manuel Almunia and took off disconsolate midfielder Robert Pires, whose last appearance for Arsenal was ending in a way he could never have imagined.

Despite their numerical disadvantage, the Londoners, who had dominated the opening exchanges, refused to fold and were rewarded when Campbell outjumped the Barca defence to thump a header inside the far post eight minutes before the break.

Almunia then made an outstanding save from Eto8217;O just before halftime when he palmed a fierce shot against his post and at that stage it appeared as if it was going to be Arsenal8217;s night.

After repelling some intense pressure they crumbled when Eto8217;O raced on to a neat flick from substitute Henrik Larsson, contolled the ball with his left foot, transferred it to his right foot and struck the ball home in between Almunia and his near post. It was the first goal Arsenal had conceded in 995 minutes of Champions League play but worse was to follow when they conceded a second six minutes later. Brazilian Belletti grabbed the winner after Larsson had played him in.

FINAL HIGHLIGHTS

8226; 188217;: Referee red-cards Arsenal goalkeeper Jens Lehmann for challenge on Eto8217;o. The ball runs on to Giuly who slots in, but the referee8217;s whistle had already blown. The German becomes the first ever player to be sent off in a final

8226; 378242;: 0 8211; 1 Campbell scores for Arsenal. The 31-year-old scores only his third goal in 21 UEFA Champions League appearances, rising high to power in Henry8217;s well-flighted free-kick in emphatic style

8226; 768242;: 1 8211; 1 Eto8217;o scores for Barcelona. The Cameroonian equalises with a calmly-taken shot after Larsson8217;s deft pass finds him in space

8226; 818242;: 2 8211; 1 Belletti, coming in as substitute scores his first ever goal for the Catalan side, and again it is Larsson that provides the defence-splitting pass. The Swede turned on the edge of the area, working the ball through to Juliano Belletti who fires through Almunia8217;s legs

8226; 908217;38242;: The final whistle is blown as Barca start delirious celebrations

8211;Mike Collett