Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020
Arsenal Cup Winners’ Cup glory in 1994 remains one of the club’s great European nights, with George Graham’s team beating Parma 1-0 in Copenhagen to win their first continental trophy since 1970.
The victory came after Arsenal had survived a demanding run past Odense, Standard Liège, Torino and Paris Saint-Germain before facing a star-packed Parma side at Parken Stadium.
For more football news, read Former England international Raheem Sterling arrested after motorway crash investigation, while official European football history is available through the UEFA website.
Arsenal’s route to Copenhagen
Arsenal began uncertainly, edging past Odense 3-2 on aggregate, before a 10-0 aggregate win over Standard Liège gave Graham’s side momentum.
A disciplined 0-0 draw away to Torino set up Tony Adams’ decisive header at Highbury, sending Arsenal into a semi-final against Paris Saint-Germain.
The French side were unbeaten in 35 matches and had talents including Raí, David Ginola and George Weah, but Arsenal stood firm across two legs.
Ian Wright scored in Paris before Ginola equalised, then Kevin Campbell’s early header at Highbury gave Arsenal a 2-1 aggregate win.
Smith delivers on the biggest night
Arsenal entered the final without the suspended Wright, while Martin Keown, John Jensen and David Hillier were also unavailable through injury.
Parma carried major attacking threats in Faustino Asprilla, Gianfranco Zola and Tomas Brolin, and started sharply as Arsenal’s defence came under early pressure.
Alan Smith settled the final after 20 minutes, driving a left-footed strike in off the post after Lorenzo Minotti’s attempted clearance fell kindly.
The goal gave Arsenal exactly the type of match Graham wanted, with Lee Dixon, Steve Bould, Adams and Nigel Winterburn protecting David Seaman behind them.
Defence seals European glory
Parma pushed for a way back, with Zola forcing Seaman into a fine save before halftime and another chance ruled out for offside.
Arsenal refused to break, turning the final into a masterclass in defensive discipline and counter-attacking control.
The 1-0 win may not have thrilled neutral fans, but it secured Arsenal’s first European trophy in 24 years and gave supporters a night they still cherish.