Barcelona's late double against Arsenal, who were just 14 minutes away from securing their first Champions League trophy ever, wasn't the only turning point on a dramatic and rainy night in Paris. Arsenal played with their defensive-minded 4-5-1 tactic that manager Arsene Wenger opts for in big clashes. England defenders Sol Campbell and Ashley Cole both returned to action, replacing unfit duo Philippe Senderos and Mathieu Flamini respectively. Three defending players were deployed in midfield and veteran wingers Frederik Ljungberg and Robert Pires moved to the flanks while captain Thierry Henry stood alone against Barca's defense. Barca coach Frank Rijkaard played his normal game as well. A bold-attacking 4-3-3 tactic with prolific striker Samuel Eto'o took the leading role, supported by Ronaldinho, Deco and Ludovic Giuly. Although it was thought that Arsenal, who kept a clean sheet in ten successive games in the Champions League, will start defending, it was Henry who struck first. A quick raid led by Emmanuel Eboue from the right flank then a low cross to Henry to rounded Rafael Marquez but shot into the legs of keeper Victor Valdez in the third minute. This was just an alarm bell. Arsenal set the pace for the following 15 minutes through dominant performances from Cesc Fabregas and Gilberto Silva in midfield and Ljungberg on the left. But just when the Londoners started wondering about when the ball will find its way to Valdez's net, Arsenal's defense were caught daydreaming and their defensive error ruined it all. Eto'o was released behind the back four through a silky pass from Ronaldinho and goalkeeper Jens Lehmann's choice to clip the Cameroonian was second to none. Suffering from a numerical disadvantage as early as the 18th minute and with his first-choice keeper dismissed, Wenger was in a real trouble. He sacrificed Pires, who got a last-minute nod over Jose Antonio Reyes, to field reserve keeper Manuel Almunia, a decision that hampered the efforts of his flying flanks and comforted the Catalan defense.
Wenger and Henry The Gunners retreated in numbers leaving Ljungberg to challenge a "rusty" Oleguer down the right and Henry to nudge both markers Marquez and Barcelona captain Carles Puyol. At this very difficult moment, Arsenal broke the deadlock when Campbell rose above Oleguer to head a rare goal and put his side in front. Eto'o failed to grab the equalizer just one minute from the break when he span around Campbell and fired into the post. It was a sign for Rijkaard that he should change things around in the second period. The Dutchman substituted defending midfielder Edmilson with teenage playmaker Andres Iniesta for more attacking options in midfield. He also realized that stretching the field wide open will be the answer to unlocking Arsenal's blocking defense. Eto'o and Giuly were given orders to stick to the touchlines on the left and right respectively, giving more space to out-of-form Ronaldinho and Deco to surge deep from the center. This shuffle let Barcelona set their rhythm, though it left Arsenal more dangerous on the break. Henry could have sealed the victory when he outpaced his markers on a couple of occasions but it looked pretty clear that Arsenal's all-time top-scorer forgot his scoring boots back home. But Rijkaard knew it was a must-win game, so he got even bolder by time. He pulled out the hapless Oleguer and countryman Mark Van Bommel out and threw in Brazilian right-back Belletti and experienced striker Henrik Larsson into the fray. Wenger replied quickly by fielding Flamini as central midfielder for the exhausted Fabregas to bring in fresh blood onto the pitch. Belletti easily overshadowed a tired Ljungberg on the defensive end and Larsson moved freely around Arsenal's box searching for a small hole to dart in
