| First Division - Day 31 | |
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Barcelona 0 - Villarreal 0 Barcelona:
Víctor Valdés; Reiziger, Oleguer, Márquez (Gabri 24',
Luis Enrique 88'), Van Bronckhorst; Xavi, Cocu, Davids; Luis García
(Kluivert 71'), Saviola, Ronaldinho. 4-3-3. Team changes: Barça: Márquez, Van Bronckhorst, Luis García for Gabri, Puyol, Overmars / Villarreal: Ballesteros, Battaglia, José Marí, Riquelme for Quique Alvarez, Verza, Guayre, Víctor. Goals: None. Fourth placed Barcelona were held to a 0-0 draw by Villarreal in the Nou Camp, a result which ended the Blaugrana's chances of equalling their all time record of ten league wins in a row. Frank Rijkaard's team had already equalled their second best performance of nine victories dating back 20 years to when Johann Cruyff was in the side, and were chasing their best ever record from the 1955/56 side containing such legendary names as Luis Suárez and Kubala. Despite the result it was lively game, with both keepers in action early on, Valdés saving from José Marí and Reina stopping an effort from Xavi. Saviola should probably scored after Ronaldinho headed on a Van Bronckhorst corner, his header from close range thumping against the post. But Roger hit the woodwork at the other end with a free kick three minutes after the restart, and Valdés did well to stand up to Sonny Anderson when he broke clear a few minutes later. Rijkaard eventually brought on Kluivert for his first game in two months, the crowd applauding him on to the pitch. And Barça thought themselves unlucky not to score the winner when referee Megia Dávila disallowed an Oleguer goal for a borderline offside after good work by Saviola, and then turned down appeals that a foul on Davids was inside the penalty area rather than just outside. The Catalans stay in fourth place though, with a game in hand still on third placed Deportivo. Villarreal stay midtable, and can now turn their attention to their midweek UEFA cup tie with Celtic. |
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