In the world of football, clashes between two of the biggest teams in the sport often lead to heated rivalries and intense competition. One such match-up was between Arsenal and Barcelona, where the former emerged victorious in a memorable encounter.
The question that often arises is – What year did Arsenal beat Barcelona? Well, it was in 2011 when Arsenal managed to defeat Barcelona in a Champions League encounter.
The Build-up
Barcelona was at its peak during this period, boasting some of the world’s best players like Lionel Messi, Xavi Hernandez, and Andres Iniesta. In contrast, Arsenal was struggling with injuries to key players like Cesc Fabregas and Thomas Vermaelen.
Despite their injury woes, Arsenal put up a strong fight in the first leg at Emirates Stadium but lost 2-1 to Barcelona. The Catalan giants were heavy favorites to progress to the next round of the tournament.
The Match
The second leg took place at Camp Nou in Barcelona, where Arsenal had to produce something special for a chance at victory. The odds were stacked against them as they had never won at Camp Nou before.
The match started off on a positive note for Arsenal as they took an early lead through Robin van Persie’s goal in the 8th minute. However, Barcelona quickly responded with goals from Lionel Messi (45+2) and Xavi Hernandez (69) to take control of the game.
With time running out, it seemed like Arsenal’s hopes of progressing were all but over. But then came a moment of magic from Dutchman Robin van Persie who scored his second goal of the night with a stunning strike from outside the box in the 76th minute.
Arsenal held on for dear life as Barcelona pressed hard for an equalizer but failed to break down their resolute defense. The match ended 3-1 on aggregate with Arsenal progressing to the next round of the Champions League.
The Aftermath
Arsenal’s victory over Barcelona remains one of the greatest upsets in Champions League history. It showcased Arsenal’s fighting spirit and determination, and it was a moment that will be etched in the club’s history forever.
In conclusion, 2011 was the year when Arsenal beat Barcelona in a memorable encounter that will long be remembered by football fans around the world. It was a match that showcased the best of what football has to offer – passion, drama, and excitement.