Two goals inside the final 15 minutes saw Barcelona beat a courageous Arsenal 2-1 to win this season's Champions League final.
Sol Campbell's thumping header gave Arsenal a 37th minute lead - after goalkeeper Jens Lehmann had been sent off for a foul on Samuel Eto'o.
Thierry Henry missed a crucial chance to give Arsenal a two-goal lead before Eto'o fired home with 14 minutes left.
Henrik Larsson then set up fellow substitute Juliano Belletti to win it four minutes later to sink Arsenal.
A frustrated Gunners boss Arsene Wenger said afterwards: "The referee made a big mistake at a crucial moment - their first goal was offside.
"The way we lost is very difficult to take because we played fantastically, like we have the whole European season.
"But in the final, people only remember the team that has won."
"I thought we could hang on and I knew nerves would play a part in their game as time went on," Wenger added.
"They did not look especially dangerous. I was confident because I know we can defend well against their style of passing.
"The fatigue factor was always there but they did not force us into a position where we really had to defend with their creative play.
"We were quite comfortable - it was more a question of concentration."
Wenger was adamant that his young side will be a force in Europe again next season despite missing out on the silverware this time.
"We will be back, of course," said Wenger.
"I believe this team has grown a lot this season.
"We have plenty of good young players behind this team and I would like to thank them all because they have been fantastic.
"We are already strong and sometimes if you can transform your frustration at defeat in such a game as this then you can come back stronger - and we will do that."
Henrik Larsson then set up fellow substitute Juliano Belletti to win it four minutes later to sink Arsenal.
A frustrated Gunners boss Arsene Wenger said afterwards: "The referee made a big mistake at a crucial moment - their first goal was offside.
"The way we lost is very difficult to take because we played fantastically, like we have the whole European season.
"But in the final, people only remember the team that has won."
"I thought we could hang on and I knew nerves would play a part in their game as time went on," Wenger added.
"They did not look especially dangerous. I was confident because I know we can defend well against their style of passing.
"The fatigue factor was always there but they did not force us into a position where we really had to defend with their creative play.
"We were quite comfortable - it was more a question of concentration."
Wenger was adamant that his young side will be a force in Europe again next season despite missing out on the silverware this time.
"We will be back, of course," said Wenger.
"I believe this team has grown a lot this season.
"We have plenty of good young players behind this team and I would like to thank them all because they have been fantastic.
"We are already strong and sometimes if you can transform your frustration at defeat in such a game as this then you can come back stronger - and we will do that."
