1994 European Super Cup

September 2021 January 2016 1994 European Super Cup Arsenal ENG 30px 0 Milan ITA 30px 2 on aggregate First leg 0 0 1 February 1995 Highbury London Mario van der Ende (Netherlands) 38,044 Second leg 0 2 8 February 1995 San Siro Milan Hellmut Krug (Germany) 23,953 1993 1995 (UEFA Super Cup) The 1994 European Super Cup was a football match played over two legs between Arsenal of England and Milan of Italy. It was the 20th staging of the European Super Cup, a fixture between the winners of the UEFA Champions League and European Cup Winners' Cup. The first leg was played at Highbury, London on 1 February 1995 and at the San Siro, Milan a week later for the second leg. Milan won the Super Cup 2–0 on aggregate, securing his third trophy overall. The competition would be renamed the UEFA Super Cup the following season. The teams qualified for the competition by separately winning the 1993–94 UEFA Champions League and 1993–94 European Cup Winners' Cup. Milan won the former, beating Barcelona 4–0 in the final. Arsenal qualified as winners of the Cup Winners' Cup; in the final of the competition they defeated Parma by a single goal. This was the first official meeting between both clubs in European football. Milan's preparations for the Super Cup were blighted by the death of Vincenzo Spagnolo, a Genoa supporter who was stabbed on his way to watch the two teams play. Once news of his death had arrived, the match was abandoned and the Italian football calendar was suspended for a week. Milan and Arsenal paid respect to Spagnolo by observing a minute's silence before the first leg. A crowd of 38,044 witnessed both clubs play out a goalless draw at Highbury; the first leg marked the return of Paul Merson, who spent time away from football in order to seek treatment for various addictions. A significantly lower crowd at the San Siro saw Milan dominate in large periods and win courtesy of goals from Zvonomir Boban and Daniele Massaro. Background 175px|thumb|The Super Cup trophy The European Super Cup was founded in the early 1970s, as a means to determine the best team in Europe and serve as a challenge to Ajax, the strongest club side of its day.https://www.uefa.com/uefasupercup/history/ Club competition winners do battle Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) 24 November 2015 The proposal by Dutch journalist Anton Witkamp, a football match between the holders of the European Cup and Cup Winners' Cup, failed to receive UEFA's backing, given the recent Cup Winners' Cup winners Rangers had been banned from European competition.In 1972, Rangers was banned from European competition for two years after fans clashed with Spanish police while celebrating the club's victory over Dynamo Moscow in the European Cup Winners' Cup Final. The ban was later reduced to one year on appeal.Jonathan Wilson 'The behaviour of the Scottish fans was shocking and ugly' https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2008/may/13/thebehaviourofthescottish The Observer London 13 May 2008 24 November 2015 "n" Witkamp nonetheless proceeded with his vision, a two-legged match played between Ajax and Rangers in January 1973. The competition was endorsed and recognised by UEFA a year later. Arsenal qualified for the Super Cup as the reigning European Cup Winners' Cup winners. It marked their debut in the event.http://www.statto.com/football/teams/arsenal/history/cup-finals Arsenal complete cup finals Statto Organisation 24 November 2015 live https://web.archive.org/web/20160304082911/http://www.statto.com/football/teams/arsenal/history/cup-finals 4 March 2016 Arsenal had conceded only three goals throughout the 1993–94 staging of the Cup Winners' Cup, and beat Italian side Parma by a single goal to win the final.http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/ggm-20-gunners-stun-parma-in-copenhagen GGM 20: Gunners stun Parma in Copenhagen Arsenal F.C. 23 August 2007 24 November 2015 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20160404165329/http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/ggm-20-gunners-stun-parma-in-copenhagen 4 April 2016 http://www.arseweb.com/93-94/results.html Arsenal results, 1993–94 Arseweb 24 November 2015 30 July 2018 https://web.archive.org/web/20180730140343/http://www.arseweb.com/93-94/results.html dead The other Super Cup place went to Milan, winners of the 1993–94 UEFA Champions League. Milan defeated pre-match favourites Barcelona 4–0 in the final, a result which earned the club their third top European honour in six years.Russell Thomas Milan press on to a convincing victory The Guardian London 19 May 1994 24 Milan were appearing in the event for the fifth time; prior to the game against Arsenal, they had won the Super Cup in consecutive years (in 1989 and 1990), and lost the trophy twice (in 1973 and 1993).https://www.uefa.com/nationalassociations/teams/50058--milan/ AC Milan Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) 24 November 2015 This was first meeting between the two sides in competitive European football.http://www.statto.com/football/teams/arsenal/ac-milan/head-to-head Arsenal's head-to-head comparison with AC Milan Statto Organisation 24 November 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151125102841/http://www.statto.com/football/teams/arsenal/ac-milan/head-to-head 25 November 2015 live Neither match was televised live in the United Kingdom, though highlights were shown on Carlton (the London-based ITV company), Channel 4's Football Italia and Sky Sports.Television listings for terrestrial TV The Times 1 February 1995 43Television listings for terrestrial TV The Times: Vision 4 February 1995 11Television listings for satellite TV The Times 8 February 1995 47 Highlights of the first leg were also shown by Central Television during Central Sports Special, taking the same Brian Moore commentary as heard on Carlton.The Staffordshire Sentinel, 1 February 1995 Live radio commentary of the second leg was scheduled to be broadcast during Trevor Brooking's Football Night on BBC Radio 5 LivePeter Barnard What radio is all about The Times 4 February 1995 24 but was replaced by an FA Cup fourth-round replay between Wolves and Sheffield Wednesday. Ron Jones did however provide reports on both matches for Five Live. First leg The first leg was held at Highbury on 1 February 1995.http://www.statto.com/football/stats/results/1995-02-01 Results on Wednesday 1st February 1995 Statto Organisation 10 January 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20151226195224/http://www.statto.com/football/stats/results/1995-02-01 26 December 2015 live Milan's preparations were overshadowed by the violence that occurred in their last domestic fixture, against Genoa three days ago. Clashes between both sets of supporters resulted in police intervention and the use of tear gas.Foot 2006 343 Vincenzo Spagnolo, a Genoa supporter, was stabbed prior to kick-off and subsequently died while receiving treatment.John Phillips Italy halts sport as football fan dies The Times 31 January 1995 12 The match was later abandoned once word was sent to the players and staff during half-time.Foot 2006 343 Milan manager Fabio Capello admitted his players were deeply affected by the incident and struggled to focus on the Super Cup final. He told reporters: "I believe that the psychological balance of each player has been damaged by Sunday's tragedy. Our team was in great condition until Sunday. But in the past few days I have had to wake up the players. So I'm not able to anticipate which kind of Milan you will see."Milan in a trance Daily Mirror London 1 February 1995 26 800 Milan supporters travelled to London,Opportunism knocks loud in Super Cup The Times 1 February 1995 26 and Capello denied reports a section of them intended to cause trouble. 225px|left|thumb|The first leg was staged at Highbury, Arsenal's home ground Paul Merson returned to the Arsenal squad, after his much-publicised cocaine, alcohol and gambling addiction.Steve Curry Milan maestros deny Merson a fairytale return Daily Express London 2 February 1995 73 The England international, who was admitted to a rehabilitation clinic for treatment during his absence, started on the substitutes' bench. Arsenal lined up in a 4–4–2 formation, with Ian Wright paired alongside John Hartson upfront and Kevin Campbell shifted on the right of midfield.Glenn Moore Highbury welcomes Merson back https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/highbury-welcomes-merson-back-1571207.html https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/highbury-welcomes-merson-back-1571207.html 1 May 2022 subscription live The Independent London 2 February 1995 10 January 2016 Milan lined up in a similar formation, with Marcel Desailly and Demetrio Albertini anchoring the midfield. A minute's silence was observed before kick-off in memory of Spagnolo; as is tradition in Italian football, the Milanese supporters clapped throughout to pay their respect.Rob Hughes Arsenal draw comfort from Merson's return The Times 2 February 1995 44 The game itself was lacklustre and was described as a "training match," lacking in "fervour and commitment" by The Times football correspondent Rob Hughes. There were few clear-cut chances created by both teams, and neither managed to score over the 90 minutes. Both however looked assured defending; Milan triggered the offside trap on several occasions, while Arsenal were boosted by club captain Tony Adams playing his first full match in two months.Russell Thomas Arsenal show Merson to Milan The Guardian London 2 February 1995 18 Manager George Graham assessed afterwards: "It was back to the Arsenal of old. We were very solid." Glenn Moore, of The Independent felt Milan would have won had they finished better, noting Dejan Savićević's tame volley in the 75th minute. Marco Simone twice hit the ball wide, while a free-kick from Albertini forced Arsenal goalkeeper David Seaman to action. The home side's best chance came from Wright in the 36th minute. He picked up the ball from Arsenal's half and proceeded to run, evading the challenges of several Milan players. His shot at goal was smartly saved by Sebastiano Rossi. Further chances went to Hartson, who headed from a Stefan Schwarz corner, and Steve Bould, before Campbell broke forward and had his effort blocked by the Milan goalkeeper. Merson's introduction in the 74th minute was cheered by the Arsenal supporters, as was his every touch of the ball. He admitted he was overwhelmed by the occasion, adding post-match: "It was a great feeling to be in action again and I thank all those who've made it easier for me. This is the first step back."Nigel Clarke Hope and glory; three tears, Paul Daily Mirror London 2 February 1995 40 Details 1 February 1995 20:00 GMT Arsenal ENG 0–0 https://www.uefa.com/uefasupercup/match/51424/ ITA Milan Highbury, London 38,044 Mario van der Ende (Netherlands) _arsenal9495a _arsenal9495a _arsenal9495a _hoops_navy FFFFFF FFFFFF FFFFFF 00006A 01AECD Arsenal _black_stripes _acmilan9495h _black_stripes _acmil94a FF0000 FF0000 FF0000 FFFFFF FFFFFF Milan GK 1 ENG David SeamanRB 2 ENG Lee Dixon CB 5 ENG Steve BouldCB 6 ENG Tony Adams (c)LB 3 ENG Nigel WinterburnCM 4 SWE Stefan SchwarzCM 7 DEN John Jensen 85CM 10 ENG Ian SelleyCF 8 ENG Ian Wright CF 9 WAL John HartsonCF 11 ENG Kevin Campbell 74Substitutes:GK 16 ENG Vince BartramDF 12 ENG Martin KeownMF 13 ENG David Hillier 85MF 14 ENG Paul Merson 74MF 15 EIR Eddie McGoldrickManager:SCO George Graham GK 1 ITA Sebastiano RossiRB 2 ITA Mauro Tassotti CB 5 ITA Alessandro CostacurtaCB 6 ITA Franco Baresi (c)LB 3 ITA Paolo MaldiniRM 10 FR Yugoslavia Dejan Savićević 89CM 4 ITA Demetrio AlbertiniCM 8 FRA 1974 Marcel Desailly LM 7 ITA Roberto Donadoni RF 11 ITA Daniele Massaro LF 9 ITA Marco Simone 44Substitutes:GK 12 ITA Mario IelpoCB 13 ITA Filippo GalliCB 14 ITA Stefano NavaRM 15 ITA Stefano EranioRF 16 ITA Paolo Di Canio 89Manager: ITA Fabio Capello Assistant referees: Robert Overkleeft (Netherlands) Robertus Brekelmans (Netherlands) Fourth official: Jan Wegereef (Netherlands)Match rules 90 minutes Five named substitutes Maximum of two substitutions Second leg The second leg was held at the San Siro on 8 February 1995.http://www.statto.com/football/stats/results/1995-02-08 Results on Wednesday 8th February 1995 Statto Organisation 10 January 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20151226214010/http://www.statto.com/football/stats/results/1995-02-08 26 December 2015 live It marked the resumption of football in Italy, as play was abandoned for a week in memory of Spagnolo.Simon Barnes Graham finds purpose in Arsenal's European detour The Times 8 February 1995 44 The incident at the San Siro prompted Milan to use security measures usually reserved for high-profile matches. Ugo Allevi, the club spokesman however downplayed reports security was heightened: "There won't be any special security measures for them. They will all be housed in a special sector of the stadium, segregated from the Milan fans. What we're most concerned about is how our fans behave."Glenn Moore Arsenal draw strength from adversity https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/arsenal-draw-strength-from-adversity-1572094.html https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/arsenal-draw-strength-from-adversity-1572094.html 1 May 2022 subscription live The Independent London 8 February 1995 10 January 2016 15,800 tickets were sold the night before the match, 13,600 of which were purchased by Milan supporters.Russell Thomas Merson 'ready' to face Milan The Guardian London 8 February 1995 16 Allevi admitted this was a repercussion of the violence in their last home game; "People are scared to come to football at the moment." 150px|thumb|Dejan Savićević (pictured in 2007), was highly influential in Milan's win Milan entered the match the fresher of the two teams, but Simon Barnes commented in his Times match preview that Arsenal's biggest asset was their "sheer bloody mindedness." The club's indiscipline was a major talking point before the game, as two players were sent off in defeat to Sheffield Wednesday the previous Saturday. Graham's future was also called in question, after claims that he received illegal payments from transfer deals (bungs), which he dismissed.Near the end of February 1995, Arsenal terminated Graham's contract once his financial impropriety was uncovered by a Premier League investigation.David Lacey Arsenal manager vows to fight his dismissal The Guardian 22 February 1995 1 In a statement the club's board concluded that "Mr Graham did not act in the best interests of the club,"Rob Hughes Arsenal make Graham pay ultimate price The Times 22 February 1995 48 and he was swiftly replaced by Stewart Houston.Rob Hughes Arsenal call on Houston to calm storm surrounding Highbury The Times 23 February 1995 44 "n" In his pre-match news conference, the Arsenal manager spoke highly of European football and was eager to win another trophy for the club: "We are having a bad season by our standards and any win in any cup is worth something." Merson came in place of John Jensen in Arsenal's starting XI, while for Milan Zvonimir Boban replaced the suspended Simone, and Christian Panucci was chosen to stand in for Paolo Maldini.Glenn Moore Limited Arsenal exposed by Milan https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/limited-arsenal-exposed-by-milan-1572266.html https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/limited-arsenal-exposed-by-milan-1572266.html 1 May 2022 subscription live The Independent London 9 February 1995 10 January 2016 Graham deployed a 4–1–4–1 formation, with Schwarz acting as the lone defensive midfielder and Hartson positioned the furthest forward.Russell Thomas Milan the masters The Guardian London 9 February 1995 18 Watched by a crowd of 23,953, Milan eased to a 2–0 win and in the process ended Arsenal's 15-match unbeaten run in Europe. The home side's first goal came minutes before half-time, when Daniele Massaro's defensive-splitting pass found Boban, who scored, despite Schwarz's attempts to hold him back by tugging his shirt.Harry Harris Taking the pizza Daily Mirror London 9 February 1995 36–37 The Croatian forward nearly scored a second, but for Seaman's quick intervention.Simon Barnes Milan the masters The Times 9 February 1995 48 Up until then, Arsenal had briefly threatened; from a long ball in the 19th minute, Hartson managed to turn Franco Baresi, but scuffed his shot wide. Milan found it easy to contain the opposition, given Desailly and Savićević influenced the tempo of the match. The latter came close to doubling Milan's lead when he broke forward and hit a shot goalwards, only for Seaman to divert the ball round the post. In the second half, Wright thought he had equalised for Arsenal when he tapped the ball in, but the referee disallowed the goal as there was infringement in the build-up. Milan continued to attack and extended their lead soon after; from Savićević's corner, Massaro jumped higher than his marker Lee Dixon and headed the ball into the Arsenal goal. Dixon, who required treatment early in the second half, was substituted for Martin Keown right away as he struggled to play on. The home side's performance was lauded by journalist Russell Thomas, who opened his match report in The Guardian with the line "Milan produced football of ease and elegance way beyond the English capabilities." By contrast, Moore noted Arsenal had "looked a different side from the sterile and nervous one seen in domestic matches." Graham described Milan as "... the best team in Europe, or in the world. We've learnt a lot. But we could have given them a better game, though, and I am disappointed."Simon Barnes Aimless Arsenal take their eye off the greater cause The Times 10 February 1995 38 Capello was content with Milan's win, and believed his team were "still about two months where we should be."Russell Thomas Graham goes Dutch for fresh skills The Guardian London 10 February 1995 20 It was his eighth trophy as manager of the club, one better than his predecessor Arrigo Sacchi.Glenn Moore https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-milan-teach-a-salutary-lesson-1572435.html https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-milan-teach-a-salutary-lesson-1572435.html 1 May 2022 subscription live Milan teach a salutary lesson The Independent London 10 February 1995 10 January 2016 He said of the achievement: "The mentality of this great club is passed on from the older players to the younger players, so they learn self-sacrifice and how to fight for every trophy they go for." Arsenal and Milan went on to reach the 1995 finals of the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup and UEFA Champions League respectively, though failed to retain their titles. Arsenal lost in extra time to Real Zaragoza, while Ajax beat Milan by a single goal.http://en.archive.uefa.com/competitions/ecwc/news/kind=4/newsid=3429.html https://web.archive.org/web/20100822203449/http://en.archive.uefa.com/competitions/ecwc/news/kind%3D4/newsid%3D3429.html 1994–95: Nayim's bolt from the blue sinks Arsenal Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) 1 June 1995 22 August 2010 25 May 2016 dead https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/history/seasons/1994/ UEFA Champions League 1994–95 – History Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) 24 November 2015 Details 8 February 1995 20:30 CET Milan ITA 2–0 https://www.uefa.com/uefasupercup/match/51425/ ENG Arsenal Boban 41Massaro 67 San Siro, Milan 23,953 Hellmut Krug (Germany) _milan9495t _milan9495t _milan9495t FFF214 FFF214 FFF214 FFF214 FFF214 Milan _arsenal9495h _arsenal9495h _arsenal9495h _redstripes _white_hoops FFFFFF FFFFFF FFFFFF FFFFFF FF0000 Arsenal GK 1 ITA Sebastiano RossiRB 2 ITA Mauro Tassotti CB 5 ITA Alessandro Costacurta  59CB 6 ITA Franco Baresi (c)LB 3 ITA Christian PanucciRM 9 CRO Zvonimir BobanCM 4 ITA Demetrio Albertini 24CM 8 FRA 1974 Marcel Desailly LM 7 ITA Roberto Donadoni RF 10FR Yugoslavia Dejan Savićević 89LF 11ITA Daniele Massaro 80Substitutes: GK 12ITA Mario IelpoCB 13ITA Filippo GalliRM 14ITA Stefano Eranio 80 RF 15ITA Paolo Di Canio 89 LF 16ITA Alessandro MelliManager: ITA Fabio Capello GK 1 ENG David SeamanRB 2 ENG Lee Dixon 66LB 3 ENG Nigel WinterburnCM 4 SWE Stefan SchwarzCB 5 ENG Steve Bould 13CB 6 ENG Tony Adams (c)CF 7 ENG Kevin Campbell 76CF 8 ENG Ian Wright CF 9 WAL John HartsonCM 10ENG Paul Merson CM 11ENG Ian SelleySubstitutes:GK 16ENG Vince BartramDF 12ENG Martin Keown 76DF 13ENG Andy LinighanMF 14DEN John JensenMF 15ENG Ray Parlour 66Manager:SCO George Graham Assistant referees: Egbert Engler (Germany) Hans-Georg Füllbrunn (Germany) Fourth official: Bernd Heynemann (Germany)Match rules 90 minutes 30 minutes of golden goal extra time if necessary Penalty shoot-out if scores still level Five named substitutes Maximum of two substitutions See also AC Milan in international football Arsenal F.C. in European football 1994–95 UEFA Champions League 1994–95 UEFA Cup Winners' Cup 1994–95 Arsenal F.C. season 1994–95 AC Milan season Notes n References General Foot John Calcio: A History of Italian Football 2006 London Fourth Estate 0-00-717574-4 Specific Further reading Flashback: Milan triumph in 1995 Super Cup http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/flashback-milan-triumph-in-1995-super-cup Arsenal F.C. 18 February 2008 24 November 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150924042107/http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/flashback-milan-triumph-in-1995-super-cup 24 September 2015 dead 1994 Category:1994–95 in English men's football Category:1994–95 in Italian football Super Cup Category:Arsenal F.C. matches Category:AC Milan matches Category:1995 in sport in London Category:1990s in Milan Category:Football matches in London Category:Football matches in Milan Category:February 1995 sports events in Europe Category:Italy–United Kingdom sports relations