Pierluigi Collina says Manchester United’s 1999 comeback against Bayern Munich was ‘the ultimate final in the history of the Champions League’
Legendary referee Pierluigi Collina has branded Manchester United’s miracle against Bayern Munich ‘the ultimate final in the history of the Champions League’.
On this day 21 years ago, May 26 1999, United clinched arguably the club’s most famous win and one of football’s greatest ever comebacks by beating the German giants in Spain.
In an extraordinary night at the Nou Camp, Sir Alex Ferguson’s men made history, fighting back from an early goal down to score twice in stoppage-time to become the first club to win the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League treble.
Mario Basler opened the scoring after just six minutes with a low, swerving free-kick. United tried everything to level but were frustrated by Germany goalkeeper Oliver Kahn.
There was late drama in the second half when Mehmet Scholl hit the post with a chipped effort and Carsten Jancker rattled the crossbar with an overhead kick in two wasted chances to secure the title.
But there was even greater drama to come, as Ferguson made two late substitions and both of them - Teddy Sheringham and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer - put the ball in the net in three minutes of stoppage-time to break German hearts and secure an English victory.
It’s now an iconic match, remembered for the unrivalled scenes of ecstasy at the full-time whistle, as Fergie’s United finally got their hands on the European Cup after a decade of domestic domination.
Collina – widely regarded as the best referee of all time, who even graced the cover of Pro Evolution Soccer 3 instead of a player – was the man in charge that day.
And he joined talkSPORT on Tuesday to explain why it is the most memorable game of his entire career.
“I can’t believe 21 years have passed since that game,” the Italian told talkSPORT host Jim White.
“It was a definitely a memorable night… mainly for the last three minutes!
“Otherwise the match was not that great, it was a normal match, if you can say the Champions League final is a normal match.
“But with the three minutes of stoppage time and the two goals scored, and the trophy going from one side to another side, it made that final the ultimate final in the history of the Champions League.
“Until 90 minutes I thought Bayern Munich were going to win, they were better and Man United were trying to do everything, and Schmeichel even went up for a corner, they were desperate, but definitely it was a surprise for everybody.
“After the first goal for Man United everybody was waiting for the extra-time and 30 more minutes of a show, I think there was only one minute and something remaining of the match, but then Solskjaer scored!”