Dundee United sensationally spanned a 20-year gap when they conquered the Camp Nou for the second time In their history last night. The Taysiders came here in 1966 as complete nonentities in Europe and won 2-1 in their very first Continental tie. Last night they proved, just how much they have grown in stature - how much they have matured under Jim McLean by producing an amazing double punch in the dying minutes. A goal down at half time, United had resolutely refused to give ground to Terry Venables multi milllion squad of stars.

AND AS THEY COAXED THEMSELVES TOWARDS A BIG PUSH, THEY CAME UP WITH TWO GOLDEN GOALS WHICH TAKE THEM INTO THE SEMI FINALS. The equaliser came in 86 minutes after Paul Sturrock was fouled on the left edge of the penalty area. lan Redford swung the ball into the box and John Clark rose to head in off the underside of the bar. That goal was enough to put United, through-but they still had more to offer. A minute from time Sturrock slung over a cross from the left to the unmarked lain Ferguson. The ex Ranger, who had to sit out the first three rounds of the UEFA Cup because he signed too late, headed the ball home.

That was the signal for Barcelona fans to produce the white flags of surrender - a signal that could mean the end of Venables and some of his superstars. United fans, who seemed to sense triumph as those closing minutes approached, just would nor leave the stadium at the finish. THEY CHANTED FOR JIM McLEAN AND HIS MEN WHO, RETURNED TO THE FIELD FOR THE HAPPIEST WARM.DOWN OF THEIR LIVES. United did nor have a failure in their line-up but it was goalkeeper Billy Thomson who surely did as much as anyone before that magnificent finish. His catching was superb throughout the game although he hardly had a save to make. He was beaten five minutes before half time when Barcelona equalised the tie. A corner by Marcos was prodded out by Clark to Ramon Caldere, whose shot took a deflection as it beat the United Keeper.

Spanish fans took that as the first sign of a pending Triumph. But as the second half progressed, it became clear that United had other ideas. Barcelona's shooting became more and more erratic and United created just as many chances. Immediately after the start of the second half Kevin Gallacher - scoring hero of the first game - set up a chance for Sturrock, whose shot was deflected. And in 71 minutes a cross by lan Redford found Ferguson in the box, but he failed to make good enough contact. Any ideas that these would be the last chances United would make as quick as that golden last couple of minutes.

United have certainly never had a better result in Europe, a tribute to the way Jim McLean has rebuilt the team after the departure of a several stars. Now it would come as absolutely no surprise if they go on to complete the job and become the fourth Scottish team to win a European trophy.