Koeman is a hero for a million reasons

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For years, Ronald Koeman received congratulatory cards and telegrams to celebrate the anniversary of the memorable goal that secured Barcelona the most prestigious prize in European football for the first time.

"It was the most important goal of my life," recalled the Dutchman. "There are Barcelona fans all over the world who still remind me about it."

Those fans had waited a long time to climb from the shadow of great rivals Real Madrid. No Spanish team had won the European Cup, as it was then, since Real's record sixth victory back in 1966.

This time Barca were favourites to beat Sampdoria. It was familiar territory. They were favourites in 1961, when they lost 3-2 against Benfica, and favourites again in 1986, when coach Terry Venables watched in disbelief as Steaua Bucharest won the trophy after a penalty shoot-out.

Another shoot-out beckoned in 1992, when a Wembley crowd of 70,827 had fully expected Pep Guardiola, Michael Laudrup, Hristo Stoitchkov and Co to give Barca the edge over the Italians.

Sadly, it was no classic. Barca were the more adventurous while Sampdoria relied on counter-attacks. Sampdoria's one good chance fell to Attilio Lombardo but goalkeeper Andoni Zubizarreta denied him with a brilliant save.

Stoitchkov hit an upright and drove another shot narrowly wide and, with 10 minutes of extra-time remaining, it looked as if the game would be settled by penalties.

Then Barcelona were awarded a free-kick 25 yards from goal. Stoitchkov touched a short pass to Jose Bakero, who stopped the ball and stood back. Koeman powered forward and struck an unstoppable drive that almost broke the net.

It was enough to give Barca the European title for the first time.

More than a million fans greeted coach Johan Cruyff and his team in Barcelona the next day. "It was a special victory because it was such a long time coming," said Cruyff.