Manchester United vs Bayern Munich: 1999 Champions League Final Overview

Background

• The match took place on 26 May 1999 at the Nou Camp, Barcelona.
• Manchester United had already won the Premier League and FA Cup that season.
• Bayern Munich were also chasing a treble, having won domestically in Germany.
• Manchester United had not won the European Cup since 1968.

Match Build-Up

• Manchester United’s squad was missing key players Paul Scholes and Roy Keane due to suspension.
• Ryan Giggs played on the right, David Beckham moved to the center, and Jesper Blomqvist played on the left.

Match Highlights

• First Half:

  • Bayern Munich took an early lead with a free-kick by Mario Basler.
  • United struggled in the first half, with few challenges to Bayern's goalkeeper Oliver Kahn.

• Second Half:

  • United’s performance improved slightly, but Bayern seemed more likely to score.
  • Teddy Sheringham was substituted in for Jesper Blomqvist.

Dramatic Finale

• As the game reached the 90-minute mark, United were still down 1-0.

• Teddy Sheringham Equalizer:

  • In stoppage time, after a corner by Beckham, a failed clearance by Bayern allowed Sheringham to score the equalizer.

• Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s Winner:

  • Shortly after, another corner from Beckham led to Sheringham heading the ball on for Solskjaer to score the winning goal.

Aftermath

• Manchester United completed an unprecedented Treble, with the Champions League title added to their domestic achievements.
• The victory was a historic moment, celebrated with immense joy by United fans and players.

Reflections

• The match is remembered as one of Manchester United's most famous victories.
• Key players like Sheringham and Solskjaer became legends for their decisive contributions.

Cultural Impact

• The match commentary by Clive Tyldesley is iconic, symbolizing Manchester United reaching "the promised land."
• The dramatic comeback is often cited as a defining moment in the history of the club.