Ole Gunnar Solskjaer (centre) celebrates after Manchester United's UEFA Champions League success in 1999
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer (centre) celebrates after Manchester United's UEFA Champions League success in 1999

Manchester United's amazing Champions League comeback seals treble - on this day in 1999


On May 26, 1999, Manchester United produced arguably their most famous night as they won the Champions League by beating Bayern Munich 2-1.

Here, we take a look back at that memorable match in Barcelona.

Heading for heartbreak

Manchester United had dominated the domestic scene for most of the decade, with Premier League trophy after Premier League trophy, but they had always fallen short in Europe, having only ever reached the semi-final of the Champions League.

After a memorable run to the final, including a brilliant semi-final victory over Juventus, it looked like being a familiar let down at the Nou Camp as Bayern scored early through Mario Basler and then resolutely defended their lead. It could have been 2-0 in the closing stages but minute but Mehmet Scholl and Carsten Jancker both hit the woodwork within five minutes of each other. 's overhead effort hit the crossbar.

Injury time goals

Scholl's wonderful chip that ended up bouncing back off the post into Peter Schmeichel's grateful arms and Jancker's overhead kick that crashed against the bar were two of the biggest ever 'Sliding Doors' moments in the history of the game.

But with the score still 1-0 heading into stoppage-time, United forced a corner.

With Schmeichel joining the attack in his last game for the club, David Beckham's delivery was cleared to Ryan Giggs on the edge of the box and his mis-hit shot was swept home by Teddy Sheringham to make it 1-1.

Most teams would have settled for extra-time, but not this United one, as two minutes later they were on the attack again and another corner fell to current manager Ole Gunnar Solksjaer to prod home at the far post.

Unrivalled scenes of ecstasy followed as United finally got their hands on the big one.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer celebrates Manchester United's Champions League Final victory in 1999

Fergie Time

Late goals were a trademark of Sir Alex Ferguson's era so it was fitting that the finest night of his spell in charge finished that way.

Although the Scot went on to win the Champions League again nine years later, this was a landmark victory that completed the story for one of the best teams in English football's history.

It spurred him on to create several more fine teams at Old Trafford before his 2013 retirement. The Scot finished with two Champions Leagues, a Cup Winners' Cup, 13 Premier League titles, five FA Cups and four League Cups.

Manchester United celebrate their historic treble

David Beckham and Ryan Giggs celebrate with the trophy

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