Emmanuel Eboue recalls 2006 Champions League final and Lehmann red card

Arsenal's 2006 Champions League final appearance ended in a 2-1 loss to Barcelona, a match still remembered for the early red card shown to German goalkeeper Jens Lehmann. Emmanuel Eboue, who played right-back for Arsenal that night, shared his thoughts on the game and the controversial decision that shaped the outcome.

During the final at the Stade de France, Arsenal maintained an unbeaten record throughout the tournament, conceding only two goals in 12 games. Their defensive strength was a key factor in reaching the final, where they faced a Barcelona side led by Ronaldinho. However, just 18 minutes into the match, Lehmann was sent off for fouling Samuel Eto'o outside the penalty area. Although Ludovic Giuly scored, the goal was disallowed due to the foul preceding it.

Eboue told Daily Star Sport via BetMGM that the team believed they could have won if the match had continued with 11 players on each side. "Even before the goal was scored we said to go and play 11 versus 11 because we were 100% sure we would win that game because we were the best," he said. "If Lehmann wasn't sent off, we win that game."

Despite being reduced to 10 men, Arsenal took the lead in the 37th minute when Sol Campbell headed in a free-kick from Thierry Henry. Barcelona responded with goals from Eto'o and Juliano Belletti, scoring four minutes apart late in the match to secure the victory.

Reflecting on the squad's youth, Eboue noted that only Sol Campbell was older, while the rest of the team was relatively inexperienced. He described the confidence they had in their ability to win against Barcelona, stating the opponents were "scared about us."

Eboue also recalled his personal encounter with Ronaldinho during the final. He said he tried to assert himself by telling the Brazilian star that the day belonged to Arsenal and that Ronaldinho would not get past him easily. "He was amazing, he was very strong player, technically, he was the best player I've played with or against," Eboue said. After the match, Ronaldinho approached Eboue to congratulate him, and the two exchanged shirts.

The Ivorian defender expressed sadness over the defeat, mentioning that some players were close to tears after the final whistle. "We wanted to win that trophy for the club and because of Arsene Wenger," he said. "We tried our best to win the cup for him and then we couldn't do it. It was hard at the end because we were so tired. Again 11 [down to 10] and then against, the big players, so it was very hard for us."