Heroes of 92 set Barça standard

At Wembley in May 1992, Johan Cruyff made history as his 'Dream Team' defeated UC Sampdoria 1-0 in extra time to win FC Barcelona's first European Champion Clubs' Cup.

Historic parallels
As Barça look to claim a second - and their first since the inception of the UEFA Champions League - there are plenty of reasons for optimism. Like in 1991/92, they go into the game as favourites, having successfully defended their Spanish title playing a brand of attacking football that has impressed fans and pundits alike. They again face a side appearing in their first final.

Mighty Zubizarreta
In goal, the 'Dream Team' were in safe hands with the experienced Andoni Zubizarreta. At 30 the Basque keeper was in his prime and on his way to earning an incredible 126 caps for Spain. In the current side, Víctor Valdés has had a fine season but was unable to gain a place in Luis Aragonés's Spanish FIFA World Cup squad.

Attacking defenders
While Cruyff employed just three defenders in league matches, he always fielded a back four in Europe. Against Sampdoria, Albert Ferrer was on the right and Juan Carlos Rodríguez Moreno on the left with both being used for their man-marking skills and forward thinking. Rijkaard should deploy more defence-minded full-backs in Oleguer Presas and Giovanni van Bronckhorst.

Central partnership
Carles Puyol's reading of the game and exquisite timing in the tackle complements Rafael Márquez's aerial strength in Rijkaard's lineup. In 1992, Cruyff had a central defender who was equally adept at pushing forward and creating the play: Ronald Koeman. Alongside him was Nando Muñoz, a no-nonsense stopper who covered at the back when the Dutchman ventured upfield.

Midfield enforcers
Edmílson patrols the area in front of the back line these days while José Mari Bakero performed a similar role 14 years ago. Renowned for his incredible work-rate, he chased down opponents and also had surprising success in the air considering his size.

Forward thrust
Further forward Josep Guardiola, who was replaced by club captain José Ramón Alexanco in extra time, pulled the strings in 1992, while Andrés Iniesta will be expected to do the same in Paris. Deco provides the vertical thrust from the centre with his driving runs, while Eusebio Sacristán was a similar player to Xavi Hernández in making the final pass.

Gifted players
Cruyff's side were also blessed with the magic and jinking runs of Dane Michael Laudrup who shared the spotlight with the outlandish Bulgarian striker Hristo Stoitchkov. If the tactics differ slightly, Rijkaard is not short of attacking talent as Ludovic Giuly's pace can take him down the flanks and in on goal, while on the left, Ronaldinho has been a revelation, becoming the new idol with his all-round ability and constant smile.

Different styles
One major stylistic difference comes up front. Samuel Eto'o is quick, powerful and able to beat defenders to create a chance. In 1992, Cruyff's team had Julio Salinas leading the line with his power in the air and ability to hold the ball.

Final reckoning
The relative strengths of these two vintages are a topic for intense debate across Catalonia, but all Barça fans would agree on one thing: hoping Puyol can follow Alexanco in lifting the European Cup on Wednesday. "We always hope Barcelona will win and I think they deserve it for the way they play," said Cruyff.