PARIS, May 17 (Xinhua) -- Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger was left distraught by the refree's mistake in allowing an offside goal to Barcelona when his side lost 2-1 in the European Champions League final on Wednesday.

    Barcelona scored two goals in the last 15 minutes to win and Wenger said: "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."     

    Arsenal were reduced to 10 men when goalkeeper Jens Lehmann was sent off for a foul on Samuel Eto'o - but went ahead before half-time through Sol Campbell's header.

    "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." Enditem