Honours were shared tonight on Montjuic as Barça drew 1-1 with Espanyol in a thrilling derby which could have gone either way. Barça now find themselves four points behind Real Madrid but they will be heartened by a good performance away from home. They will surely win more away games if they continue to play like they did tonight.
For the second consecutive game Ronaldinho Gaucho started on the substitutes bench which meant another start in attack for Bojan Krkic while Eidur Gudjohnsen continued in midfield. The only change from the team that started in Lyon was the introduction of Rafa Marquez for Gianluca Zambrotta. Marquez played in central defence with Carles Puyol moving to right back.
Barça took only six minutes to take the lead. Messi received the ball out by the touchline and set off on a tremendous run that took him past Clemente and Torrejon, when he arrived to the byline he pulled the ball back across the goal to Iniesta at the far post who side footed the ball past a defender on the line. Espanyol took a while to react to the goal and Barça looked pretty firm in defence. Riera had Espanyol’s first chance in the 15th minute when Tamudo threaded a pass through to him but his shot went well over.
Barça threatened again with two shots within a minute from Messi and Bojan but neither found the target. Then Bojan crossed to Xavi who shot over. Just before the half hour Tamudo ran across the Barça area but lost control before he could shoot. In the 32nd minute another run from Messi won a free kick on the edge of the area, Xavi took it and curled a shot that hit the woodwork where the post meets the crossbar, the ball bounced out to Bojan who headed it back against the crossbar again. At only seventeen years old Bojan will surely grow a bit more, if he had been an inch taller he might have got over the ball and scored. Just before half time Gudjohnsen fed Messi who once again skipped past his marker and into the area, this time he shot right-footed and forced Kameni into a good save low to his left.
Espanyol looked much more determined in the second half and pressed Barça back into their own half, but the Barça defence continued to look solid and only allowed one shot in the 51st minute which Jarque put wide. After 63 minutes Rijkaard put on Ronaldinho in place of Bojan, but Espanyol continued to press. Tamudo had a chance on 65 minutes but miskicked his volley, then four minutes later Espanyol were level.
Clemente sent a ball past Puyol to Riera who crossed the ball back across goal and found Coro storming in to give Valdés no chance. After the goal Zambrotta and Ezquerro came on for Puyol and Gudjohnsen, and Barça began to create some chances. Ronaldinho had a free kick tipped over by Kameni and from the resultant corner Xavi crossed to Ronaldinho whose header brought a diving save from Kameni.
The last ten minutes saw chances at both ends but the majority were for Barça. Iniesta had a shot that Kameni fumbled but Ronaldinho was called offside as he tried to get the rebound. Messi then beat two men on the right but couldn’t find Ronaldinho with his cross. Iniesta then sent a great ball through to Messi who had a fantastic chance to win it but he fluffed his shot straight at the keeper. Messi forced one more save and Ronaldinho had a shot deflected over for a corner. Espanyol counter-attacked from Barça’s corner and Valdés made one final save from Johnathan.
This was a good performance from Barça and in the end they created far more goal opportunities than Espanyol. Good games from Iniesta, Messi, and Marquez at the back. Gudjohnsen is still a bit below par and Puyol is not at the level we have come to expect of him. Right-back could well turn out to be Barça’s problem position this season. Next week we hope to see the return of Deco and Samuel Eto’o; thinking of this and four points doesn’t seem so much.
Barça: Valdés 6, Puyol 6 (Zambrotta m70, 6), Marquez 7, Milito 6.5, Abidal 6.5, Xavi 6, Toure 6.5, Gudjohnsen 5.5 (Ezquerro m71, 6), Messi 7, Bojan 6.5 (Ronaldinho m63, 6), Iniesta 7.5.
Goals: m6 0-1 Iniesta, m69 1-1 Coro.
Yellow Cards: Espanyol: Jarque, Clemente; Barça: Puyol.
21 responses so far ↓
Liam // Dec 2, 2007 at 4:04
Shit match fancy drawing with the Perikos, I am sick of Rijkaard now and I belive it is time for a big change in the running of the club, new system, manager, assistent manager etc. It is hard looking at the team before the game and seeing the best the world has to offer but seeing them play shit away is just terrible, which has been happening for long enough. We were promised after the Getafe game something was going to change and nothing did!
blaugranafan // Dec 2, 2007 at 10:03
Nice way to present the tie, Nic. Although I didn’t manage to watch the game (I followed it live online), I’m going to put myself out on a limb and agree with Liam at this point. I guess the official team line will be “there’s still a lot of games left, and anything can happen.” But with things the way they are now, for Barca to win the league, they will have to hope that Madrid collapse like Barca did last season…which I don’t see happening.
I would hope that Rijkaard loses his job if he either loses to Madrid the first time around, or the gap exceeds 4 pts at any time. Let’s keep in mind that both the press and the club were saying during the preseason that Barca is the clear favorite to win la liga this year. I’m curious as to how tolerant other people are regarding Rijkaard’s job security, though. Thoughts?
Mirnes // Dec 2, 2007 at 12:51
Nice game, and good performance by Barsa players… In one moment Barsa had a really good actions…but 1:1 is not bad result….
Poozzz
John // Dec 2, 2007 at 13:05
Last night was a vast improvement, on what has gone on for much of last season and this season. They were aggressive, played with a much quicker tempo and looked as though they wanted to win. The questions that need to be answered are, is that it is too little to late? will it be maintained? I fear that it will be too little to late and it will not be maintained. Every so often we see flickers of what the team are capable of, only to be frustrated when they return to being sloppy, slow and very average. A draw away from home to the team in fourth is a good result, remember Madrid lost to Espanyol. Away from home against the so called lesser teams is where the problems have come from. There has not been the level of consistency required to win trophies since the end of 2005/6.
Changes in players and management are required. Rijkaard has done a great job but a new regime is needed and some of the players need to be moved on. It has become too cosy. The question is when are the changes made? The games against Deportivo, Valencia and Madrid are vital. If by that period we are 7-8 points (or god forbid more points) behind Madrid then Rijkaard should step down. With Madrid playing like they are it is highly unlikely that they will surrender such a lead. If Barca remains in contention after the Madrid game then Rijkaard should stay to the end of the season, with changes being made in the summer. That begs another question, who replaces him?
e10 // Dec 2, 2007 at 14:11
Come on Barca, what a shocking second half. what the hell was that they should be ashamed by that second half performance.
Very big mistake starting Ronaldinho on the bench in a derby. Ronaldinho needs to start and it was stupid of Rijkaard to start him on the bench.
Barcelona must stick with Rijkaard because he will get things right with those injured players returning very soon.
He must pick the right team and stop giving important roles to young and inexperienced players in important derby games.
Next thing you know Rijkaard will be playing Jorquera against Real Madrid.
LMAO.
I think Rijkaard should stay because; in my opinion when Eto’o return and gets into form everything will fall into place and Barca will return to winning ways,and this is when Henry should reserve himself a seat on the bench.
Because once Eto’o gets into form there is no stopping or replacing him and he is a goal kicking machine.
Speeka // Dec 2, 2007 at 16:17
Some good performances on both team’s involving the Spanish national team player’s.Riera always looked capable & Ini & Xavi both looked good. Messi continues to shine, but i think he needs Ronaldinho back playing beside him.
Leave Frank alone & stop with the panic.This is La Liga.
Nic, there seemed to be some commotion, between the fans at one stage.Do you know what was happening there?
Nic // Dec 2, 2007 at 19:33
Speeka, I believe some idiot Barça fans fired a flare into a section of Espanyol fans causing some panic and an obvious angry reaction from the Espanyol fans. I don’t think there was any actual fighting.
Titi186 // Dec 2, 2007 at 19:59
Oh how Henry was needed yesterday…
I know most people Ero’o will be more effective away from home but Espanyol were more attacking then most teams vs Barcelona so Henry would have loves yesterday. No Ronnie to slow everything down, a striker in Bojan to play with, Iniesta and Messi providing service…
Now maybe people appreciate him more…
Titi186 // Dec 2, 2007 at 20:08
The only thing I agree with here is that you have both been living in the past.
Ronnie was the best player in the world by far a year ago but please please please admit that Ronnie has been performing no where near a level which can be called the worlds best. I am not a Ronnie hater just a realist.
BUT…
He needs to get back to full fitness by pulling out of Brazils next games and staying in the same time zone and training by himself and needs to ENJOY himself again.
When barca fans turn against their own players it is a disgrace. By doing that you reduce legendary players such as Ronnie and Henry to scared shadows of their former self who are scared to try what they want as they are afraid of what the fans will think of them if it goes wrong.
Try and get behind the players even when they are playing badly because they are your heroes who YOU used to worship only a few months ago. Barca are through as group winners in the CL, are only 4 points behind Madrid and anyone would think Barca is in the relagation zone.
Speeka // Dec 3, 2007 at 1:07
I personally think that Roni played quite well & as usual the game changed when he came on.Yes he isnt playing like the last two seasons, but it is a almost new team he is playing with now & like i said before it will take time for them to be “that” team. Some fans think we should get rid of him, but im not one of them. People forget that a player like Roni can change a game even when he is off form.Arsenal found that out when a Roni pass to Eto’o changed the champions league final, accomplishing in under 20 minutes, what no other team in 10 matches could. Yes some comments on here may seem harsh, but Barca fans are no bigger a “disgrace” than other’s. I clearly remember Patrick Vierra being booed on his return to Highbury!
@ Nic, what’s your thought’s on the Spanish National team & Euro 2008? ( & will you be making a blog for related news etc?)
robert // Dec 3, 2007 at 4:18
hey i think guardado, diego or kaka and alves would be a big thing for barca.. while selling zambrotta, milito and deco
Nic // Dec 3, 2007 at 17:32
Some interesting differences of opinion here. Personally I think the last two away games give cause for optimism, the attitude has improved a lot compared to earlier away games, and both Lyon and Espanyol were tough opponents. On the different opinions on Henry and Ronaldinho, I feel the team has improved with their absense. This doesn’t mean they should be sold, they are both great players, I just feel they both need to match their workrate with their talent. However, Henry can be excused a bit if he has been playing with an injury. Having said that I feel that injured players should always be rested as Barça have enough talent to replace anyone. Either you are at 100% or you shouldn’t play (unless it is a vital game like a final).
Speeka - I imagine I will write a bit on Euro 2008 on this blog, mainly following the Barça players. As for the Spanish national team I am sure they will play well in the group stage and then get knocked out in the quarter finals, just like they do in every major tournament. I think it is good that Aragones has finally found a system to play Xavi, Iniesta and Fabregas.
Robert - Why would Barça want to sell Milito or Deco? Zambrotta maybe, if he doesn’t sort his act out. Of the players you mention to buy, Kaka would obviously be great for any team but I think if he goes anywhere it will be to Madrid. Alves has a lot of class but I’ve already questioned his attitude on this blog. Yesterday he was sent off for the second time this season, but right-back is a position that Barça should be looking at. As for Diego and Guardado I have to admit I’ve not seen much of either of them, I don’t think Barça need midfield players at the moment. They are ones to watch for the future.
chris // Dec 4, 2007 at 9:41
Listen up guys…..!!! Barca is bouncing back!!! The recent away game wasn’t the best game they played but there has been vast improvement!!! Attack is the key! we just need to get the correct flow and the goals coming.Ronnie,Messi,Iniesta, Milito,Puyol and Henry are the greats. As fans we should always learn the fact that there are ups and downs in every team. Rijkaard has done a great job, AND HE STILL IS. PLEASE DO NOT POST UP THINGS that can stir up negativity. Just imagine the amount of pressure they are facing as a team. what if they read this blog!!! we should always boost their morale and confidence, as fans,…. not drag them down!! We should never give up on this team,and the coach!!!BarSa can do it!!!we are picking up the pace at the right time. and i still have a good feeling about this season.cOMMON GUYS…..LETS GET BEHIND THE TEAM!!!!
chris // Dec 4, 2007 at 9:46
And ..Blaugranafan AND Liam…please stop speculating about the changes that should be made in the management!!!!!! We have the best management in the world. For God sake….they are humans dude!!!!
e10 // Dec 4, 2007 at 10:52
hey chris hows this.
You write what you want
and
We’ll write what we want.
Nic // Dec 4, 2007 at 14:36
Now now people. Let’s keep it friendly or I’ll have to start brandishing yellow cards
joanamenos // Dec 4, 2007 at 20:06
The season starts now. This match was the first opportunity to enjoy and suffer. I have red a lot of different opinions. I think Rijkaard should stay because a change now is a mistake. The return of Eto’o is an important factor to restore the confidence in our team. However, I accept that this draw, against this old rival, is a short performance for the deep blaugrana feeling. We had desire a crash result, but Espanyol has a good team and Tamudo is an historic nightmare for Barça. Fortunately, criticism against Rijkaard will be in stand by next week. Actually, Barça fans are now waiting “el clásico”.
blaugranafan // Dec 5, 2007 at 4:38
Chris–I appreciate your love for the club. It’s great to see such passion for the team! I personally like and respect both Rijkaard a Ronnie a lot, but my first allegiance to the club. I’ll hope that they can pull things together and take us top of the table soon, but I absolutely do not want things to end up like last season. And my gut and my observations require me to be constructively critical at this point. Given Barca’s quality roster, we should not be where we are at the moment. Rijkaard’s a terrific coach, but perhaps he is not the best tactician or is unable to adapt. There are other great coaches out there. And it would be great if they read this blog, as it sure is a good one! Nic’s done a stand up job with this site.
Someone above said to leave Frank alone. “This is La Liga.” I have no idea what you mean by that.
Chris // Dec 6, 2007 at 8:32
This week, the newspapers and many other sources have been quoting that Ronaldinho Gaucho could be leaving Barsa to Chelsea for a reported 15 million Euro’s deal. How true is this, i would never be sure of…..but i have to ask this question for yet again……….In this past 4-5 seasons, where were we without Ronaldinho Gaucho??? What are we without him??Or what could we possibly have achieved without him? Yes, its true…..a club is never and should never be about a single player. However, there is another saying that we as human beings should always look back and be grateful whenever we are given something……and something in the form of Ronaldinho Gaucho is something very very special…….And i must also say that it was him that almost single handedly brought us success in his first 3 season’s in Barcelona. All Barsa fans should recall how he almost single handedly demolished Real Madrid. Now we all seem to forget him, and forget how he performed his magic for us. Maybe some are blinded by the fact that at the moment,we have LEO MESSI. Messi is a great player(the top 3 in the world,i must say),,,,,,,but is he as good as Ronaldinho? Is he ever going to be able to save us?Is he ever going to produce magic after magic for atleast 10games in a row?,,,,because i’f seen Ronaldinho do it for more than 15games in a row. Lets get real,,,,,,,the definate answer is NO. Because the truth and the fact is there is nobody in football who is as good as Ronaldinho in top form. Fans should take it easy on him and should give him their moral support and help rejenuvate the ‘magician’ and should never give up on him. Every player has their up’s and downs. Thinking about it,,,,he was almost ‘Godlike’ for the first 3 seasons(NO PLAYER HAS EVER BEEN AS CONSISTANT AS HIM FOR SUCH A PERIOD OF TIME…..PRODUCING MAGIC AFTER AFTER MAGIC,DAY IN,DAY OUT,GAME IN,GAME OUT!!!)….the team should pull together and bring out the best in one another. They have to figure out a new way in winning games while waiting for Ronaldinho to get back to his best! Barca fans should be more patient and offer their support to Ronaldinho and the fellow Barsa players. Unity is one of the main elements in success!!! Stick together team!!!! Barca can do it!!!
Chris // Dec 6, 2007 at 8:54
Here, in Malaysia,,,,the majority crowd support Manchester United. I would daringly say that 3 quarter football fans in Malaysia are Manchester United Supporters. From what i noticed,,,,,,,there is one thing positive about them……they are always positive about their favourite club and are always behind the team even in their bad days and even in those days when their team don’t really perform! They often say things like”Don’t worry, we’ll be back!!”I am not making a comparison here…….but they are definately a good example to follow. We are lucky for what we have and for the great players that we have! They have provided us with splendid football and entertainment not very long ago. Back than, we were jumping for joy and screaming their name,,,,,and now, here we are, jeering them off the pitch at the times, they need us the most! Thats a shame. be4 we compare our beloved Barsa to the current success that Alex furgusson,Cristiano Ronaldo, and Tevez and the crew are making……why don’t we compare the behavior and attitude of our very own fans compared to theirs!!!!How far are we going to go with this kind of attitude!!! I love Barsa, but i have to say that most FC Barcelona fans are a huge let down to their team!
FCB - Canada // Dec 6, 2007 at 19:03
You wanna see how much Ronnie is worth in a game?
Lets see Frank sit him out in a big game namely the upcoming one vs Real Madrid. If Barca can beat them without Ronnie then they don’t need him. If they can’t well… I suppose he is worth more to the club then people think. 
I would like to see Frank sit him out and see Barca lose to prove everyone wrong. I suspect a lot of people would say that would be suicide even Ronnie’s most ardent skeptics. 
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