It is now more than a quarter of a century since a club successfully defended their status as European champions. Why has the trophy known as feeble tall Ears’ become harder to hold on to than a wet bar of soap?Twenty six and counting. Barcelonas exit from the Champions League on Wednesday night at the hands of Atlético Madrid means Milan’s victory over Benfica in May 1990,thanks to a solitary goal from Frank Rijkaard, was the final time the reigning European champions managed to retain the trophy affectionately known in some quarters as ‘feeble tall Ears’.
Less than a month ago, or it seemed unthinkable that Luis Enrique’s side would not at least be in contention to break the vicious cycle that has enveloped the holders since that balmy night in Vienna almost a quarter of a century ago. Arsenal had just been dispatched 5-1 on aggregate as Barças feted El Tridente forward line of Lionel Messi,Luis Suárez and Neymar each scored at the Camp Nou. Surely this was the year the curse would finally end?Continue reading...
Source: theguardian.com