Barca-Espanyol; the Derby de Barcelona

After the warm-up, Frank Rijkaard and Ten Cate put the players into five-a-side teams that gave the first indications of the team for the derby match. Later, Ricardo Quaresma was the only major change to the eleven that made up the probable starting team for the big match, replacing the injured Luis Garcia on the right flank.

Cocu and Motta

The players who figured in the probable starting eleven were: Victor Valdes in goal; Reiziger, Oleguer, Cocu and Giovanni van Bronckhorst in defence; Xavi, Davids and Motta in the centre of the midfield; Ronaldinho in the hole; Quaresma on the wing and Saviola up front. It looks like Cocu will cover in defence for the injured Puyol allowing Motta to regain his place in midfield.

Kluivert keen

Although he won't start, Patrick Kluivert could get another run out after his crucial goal against Madrid in the Bernabeu. The Dutch striker will be hoping to use the derby to continue his return to full fitness and finish the season well.

Carles Puyol and Luis Garcia were continuing their recovery programs in the Camp Nou.

Match fact

21 league games Ricardo Quaresma could return to the starting line-up after 5 weeks absence; his last appearance was on the 21st March in the game against Real Sociedad when he came on for Saviola after 68 minutes. This season, Quaresma has played in 21 games, starting 10 times. He has scored one goal so far against Albacete on the 1st February.

 

Quaresma out for 3-4 months

Must see the match!!!


More injuries at the end of season, another brutal foul on Quaresma:
Having missed various games the Portuguese youngster was given his chance against Espanyol only for a terrible tackle from Wome to signal an early exit.


In the 87th minute when the Portuguse winger, who had only been on the pitch for 4 minutes, was clattered into by the Cameroon blocker. Quaresma had to leave the pitch immediately.

As soon as the game finished, the player was taken to hospital, accompanied by the medical team. The injury was diagnosed as a broken metatarsal. The decision over the necessary treatment will be taken in the next few hours but the player will probably be out for 3 to 4 months.

 

Commentary from Barcas page:
football masterclass. FC Barcelona's superiority over their city rivals can only be described in such terms after Barca came back from a goal down to dominate Espanyol.


Frank Rijkaard's men just get better and better. Barca were the better team by far even after giving away an early penalty which Raul Tamudo fired home. Ronaldinho, who else, was simply breathtaking and, with Davids, Xavi, Iniesta and Saviola tearing the opposition apart, the Camp Nou witnessed one of FC Barcleona's best performances for some time. Real Madrid are now just one point away in second place and the leaders Valencia five.

Iniesta the surprise

Andres Iniesta was the surprise starter against Espanyol. Despite early clues to the contrary from the training ground , Quaresma and Overmars were left out of the initial eleven and the local boy was given a surprise opportunity alongside Motta, Xavi and Davids.

Ronaldinho and Iniseta were down on the team sheet as wingers although in reality both payers had licence to roam. With Puyol out, Cocu slotted into the defence and Motta and Davids were paired up in central midfield. Espanyol started well and on 5 minutes, Tamudo received a great pass from the Argentine Maxi but Victor Valdes came out perfectly to foil the attack.

Barca were relying on Saviola to create the danger and the striker didn't disappoint. Shortly, after great work between Iniesta and Ronaldinho 'Gio' sent in a screamer which crashed into the side netting. Luis Fernandez's men were clearly out to defend but after ten minutes the Moroccan Hadji tried from distance with Valdes forced into a fine save.

Penalty for Tamudo

Oleguer Presas was the unlucky defender who committed the foul which, against the run of play, gave the visitors an early penalty. Raul Tamudo made no mistake from the spot to give Espanyol a surprise lead after 17 minutes. Oleguer also picked up a yellow for his efforts.

Barca reacted swiftly and following two yellow cards for Alex and Pochettino, Saviola went close with an acrobatic header in the 23rd minute.

'Ronie' turns it on

On 35 minutes the magic appeared. After good work from Iniesta and Xavi, the Brazilian wizard Ronaldinho, rose highest to head home the equaliser with Lemmens beaten all ends up.

Five minutes later, Motta tested Lemmens with a stinging free kick, before Ronaldinho shot from the edge of the box only to be denied by the opposition keeper. The Brazilian star was on fire and a sublime back-heel sent Saviola through to score the second in the 43rd minute.

Magic

Barca came out with all guns blazing in the second half. Ronaldinho was at the heart of it as Barca created four fantastic chances early on. The 75,000 fans that roared on the home team were chanting 'Ole' as pass after pass was spread amongst the home team. Under incredible pressure, Espanyol finally conceded the third, Dutch full-back Van Bronkhorst finishing a wonderful move with a sharp finish after Xavi played him in with a killer pass.

Barca didn't ease off the gas whilst Espanyol were struggling to stay in it. The visitors wasted a glorious chance to get back in the game; Maxi's one-on-one culminating in a woeful finish and from that point on the home team killed the game off. Moments later the fourth goal arrived, Reiziger's good work down the wing and testing cross forced an error from Lemmens and Saviola was on hand to snaffle up an easy chance.

Kluivert for Saviola

Patrick Kluivert came on after 68 minutes for Saviola who received a standing ovation. At the same time, Ronaldinho went up for a teasing high ball and caught Pochettino in the head with his arm but the incident wasn't blown out of proportion as the ex-PSG teammates quickly shook hands.

In the final quarter, Iniesta had the fifth goals at his feet but missed by inches. Inevitably the game lost its edge in the final moments with Barca home and dry. Gabri and Quaresma came on for Oleguer and Iniesta, the outgoing players receiving a standing ovation.

With three minutes left, Wome hacked down Quaresma for a clear penalty which could have been the fifth but a lenient referee chose not to make the decision. In the dying seconds, Kluivert struck the post in yet another attack.


THE GOALS

0-1, Tamudo (19')
1-1, Ronaldinho (34')
2-1, Saviola (43')
3-1, Van Bronckhorst (54')
4-1, Saviola (57')