THE footballing world was left mesmerised last night as one of the greatest sides on the planet mounted an unthinkable European comeback.

But while lovers of the beautiful game were left salivating over the exploits of Messi and co, the Pars were busy inviting Barcelona to contest a friendly – for eclipsing a feat they achieved back in the club's halcyon days.

The cheeky offer came after Luis Enrique's star-studded side became the first in Champions League history to overturn a 4-0 first leg deficit to progress in the competition with a remarkable 6-1 thumping of Paris St Germain at the Camp Nou.

Fans watching the drama unfold – which included the Catalans scoring twice in stoppage time to seal a sensational victory – on BT Sport however were also given a piece of Pars history as reference was made to one of their finest hours.

Ahead of kick off, commentator Ian Darke informed viewers: "Since 1955, 213 European first leg ties had ended 4-0 and the losing team has never, ever gone through. The Scottish team Dunfermline Athletic came closest in the 1960s, beating Valencia 6-2 in the old Fairs Cup."

That triumph in 1962, widely regarded as one of Dunfermline's finest ever results, came after a 4-0 first leg loss in Spain after Jock Stein's had knocked out Everton in the previous round.

With no away goals rule in force, the match went to a third game – a play-off that was held in Lisbon – and Dunfermline sadly bowed out by a single goal.

But Barca's triumph prompted the club to post on Twitter: "@FCBarcelona... congratulations guys.... fancy a friendly to say sorry for taking our record".

Despite being widely shared and viewed on social media, as yet there has been no indication that Barca will take up the offer.

The clubs came close to meeting in 1969 when they both reached the semi-finals of the European Cup Winners Cup.

Dunfermline, having beaten FA Cup winners West Bromwich Albion in the last eight, were favourites to progress against Slovan Bratislava, while the Catalans went up against Cologne.

While Barca progressed, the Pars were knocked out 2-1 on aggregate as Slovan went on to lift the trophy.