'The roof almost came off the place'

Ron Atkinson's side had to overcome a team containing Argentina superstar Diego Maradona and faced a mountain to climb, knowing even one away goal for the visitors would swing the tie even further in their favour.

Yet the home fans believed the improbable could happen and, inspired by captain Bryan Robson, a 3-0 win on the night set up a two-legged European Cup Winners' Cup semi-final with Juventus.

UEFA caught up with Frank Stapleton, whose third goal proved decisive after Robbo's double, and Arthur Albiston, who pounded down the left to cross for Norman Whiteside in the build-up to Frank's volley, to reminisce about that fantastic evening.

"I remember someone saying they've just been outside and 10,000 people couldn't get inside the ground," said ex-Republic of Ireland striker Stapleton. "The big surprise, for me, was the opponents and how nervous they looked. Even Diego Maradona himself. He was pretty nervous."

Albiston added: "All the United fans were incredible really, you just felt the whole place was bouncing and the crowd were right behind you. If you just get the first goal, hopefully it will set everybody off and that is exactly what happened."

Robson headed in the opener, following a corner, and that was the cue for a miraculous comeback.

"The roof almost came off the place," said Stapleton. "Then the belief goes up, and theirs goes down, and, of course, the crowd never stopped after that."

Robson pounced on an error by keeper Javier Urruti to level the aggregate score at 2-2 and ensure the place was at fever pitch.

"Everybody was going crazy and everyone, to a man, was saying it's the best atmosphere they've played in, as were all the Manchester United supporters here," admitted full-back Albiston.

"Two goals in a game like that [by Robbo], it was a great performance and he walked off with the supporters surrounding him. It was a euphoric night for United's supporters to enjoy."

For all the plaudits Robson received on his outstanding display, at a time when he was being coveted by the top clubs in Serie A, it was Stapleton who provided the final blow to Barcelona's hopes.

The centre-forward's composed finish was in stark contrast to his wild arm-wheeling celebration as the noise levels reached unparalleled levels from the culmination to a glorious attack, sparked by Robson's pass to the left wing, setting Albiston free.

"Arthur came through and clipped it into the box," he recalled. "I made a run to the near post but it went well over my head and I just turned and Norman got up but couldn't get it back on target. He just nodded it down and I just turned back on the play and it was a simple volley but easy to miss.

"It was a fantastic atmosphere - I don't really remember too much about being in the dressing room after that as it was mayhem and everyone was screaming and shouting."