Wisla Krakow 3 - Barcelona 4

Barcelona: Bonano; Gabri, Christanval, Andersson, Sergi; Rochemback (Reiziger 80'), Xavi, Luis Enrique (Trashorras 87'); Rivaldo; Kluivert, Overmars (Cocu 60'). 4-3-1-2.

Goals:
1-0. 23. Pater. Simple header past Bonano from Moskalewicz cross.
1-1. 31. Rivaldo (penalty). After Kluivert brought down in area.
2-1. 32. Pater. Headed cross from Kosowski down past keeper.
2-2. 34. Rivaldo. Placed first time shot round keeper after Xavi through ball.
3-2. 37. Frankowski. Following up after Bonano blocked Moskalewicz shot.
3-3. 56. Kluivert. Turned on Rochemback cross from right and beat Sarnat.
3-4. 73. Rivaldo Shot wide of keeper after Kluivert laid ball back.

Barcelona must be thankful that they resisted Brazil's attempts to call up Rivaldo for their friendly match with Panama. The striker saved their blushes once again with a hat-trick after a shaky defence had let in three simple goals in the first half. Rexach only had 16 fit and available players, and had to call up B team midfielder Trashorras to make up the numbers. But with four players, Bonano, Chistanval, Andersson and Rochemback making their official debut, their lack of coordination was evident as Wisla cut through to take the lead three times before the break, twice from the head of Pater and then again from Frankowski with no defender in sight. Rivaldo pulled things back twice, once from the penalty spot after Kluivert had allowed himself to be caught Zajac and then with a cool shot past Sarnat in a frantic six minute spell which produced four goals.

After the break the Blaugrana finally got a grip on the match and after Xavi hit the bar with a long shot, Kluivert levelled things once again with a first time shot after good work by Rochemback. Then Rivaldo stepped up to blast home the winner after Kluivert unselfishly set him up, and Barça had one foot in the lucrative next round. The Brazilian sped off straight after the game to get a connecting flight to Brazil, his work done. Barcelona are only playing in this competition thanks to his spectacular last minute hat-trick against Valencia in the last league game of the season, and he appears to have begun the season as he left off. The second leg in two weeks time looks a lot easier now, and with Saviola due to rejoin the squad after his father's funeral, Barcelona should take their place along with Real Madrid and Deportivo in the first round draw.