From three to three (0-3)

Three games, three wins and three goals in each game. Barça's start to the season is proving some what successful so far. The 'Sardinero' has been a difficult place to go in recent seasons, however, this time around, it too had to submit to a Barça team firing on all cylinders.

Barça continued in their winning ways; overcoming their competitors in comfortable fashion. Eto'o grabbed his fourth of the season - Giuly and a penalty from Ronaldinho claimed the other two. Nine goals in three games, and if it hadn't been for goalkeeper Toño, this victory may have been by an even greater margin. Frank Rijkaard's team seems determined to take the lead in La Liga early on - and not look back.

The Zigic factor

Before the game, talk of Racing's giant forward had taken up a lot of time, and how Racing could utilize him effectively. Therefore, when play started, it was clear to see that Racin's objective was to deliver many balls forward in search of Zigic. The first 16 minutes of play had been particularly electric for the hosts - first a free kick from the right in the 4th minute saw Munitis put in a dangerous cross to which Ruben connected with, however, Valdes was quick to react and parried it away. Next saw Christian Alvarez strike a crisp free kick which rattled the post. Barça managed to reply with a shot from Ronaldinho, which went wide of the post.

In form Eto'o

Although Barça found the going a little tough in the opening minutes of the game, they didn't want to go away without leaving their mark on the game. Ronaldinho and Silvinho led the attack down the left flank causing many problems for the defence. Barça managed to break the deadlock in the 17th minute with a goal from the in form Samuel Eto'o. Eto'o received a pass from Deco 30m out and unleashed a shot from distance - confusing the goalkeeper, who misjudged the bounce and let it rebound off him into the net (0-1). The goal seemed to take the wind out of Racing's sails and also signalled the start of Barça's dominant display.

The second - not so easy to find

The Blaugrana began to get into the game; playing high speed, one touch football as practised. Barça created many opportunities, yet surprisingly they were unable to get on the score sheet again in the first half. Deco in the 30th and Eto'o in the 36th both came close with well worked attacking play. The clearest opportunity, however, came to Messi in the 39th minute; Racing's keeper Toño gifted Messi the ball after a bad clearance, Messi ran with the ball into the area, but took a little too long on the ball, which gave the defence time to close in, he released his shot and saw it go over the bar. With some great play, it was therefore a shame not to see Barça go into the break with a greater advantage.

Same again for the second part

Continuing where they left off, the start of the second half saw Barça fully intent on taking advantage of their dominant display. Ronaldinho found himself with two chances in quick succession - the second of which in a similar situation to that of the 5th goal against Levski in midweek. This time around, however, he was unable to convert.

Many Chances

For a moment it seemed Racing might get back in the game as they started finding their way into Valdes' area. Barça responded well and went on the offensive again without consideration for the opposition goalkeeper. Toño dealt well with many shots and if it hadn't been for him, Barça's lead would surely have been greater. After Giuly came on for Messi in minute 64, the attack switched to the right as Giuly added greater depth to the attack.

The final push

Barça managed to finish off the game with a late flurry of goals. Despite valiant attempts from the home side to level the tie; including a deft chip by Aganzo which beat Valdes but not the alert Márquez, it was Barça who finished the strongest. The first of the two goals came in minute 84 - Giuly received the ball on the edge of the area, beat 3 defenders with a tricky run, shot with his left foot and left the keeper flat-footed as the ball went in at the near post (0-2). The third and final goal came when Gudjohnsen, who had substituted Eto'o in the 80th minute, received the ball in a one on one situation against Toño - Gudjohnsen dribbled past the keeper but was brought down in the area - Penalty. The referee brandished Toño a straight red for a professional foul. Racing had already made their three changes, so it was outfield player Melo who stood in as cover. Up stepped Ronaldinho who blasted left, sending the keeper the wrong way (0-3).

A push for the third win

Barça are looking to achieve their third consecutive victory in La Liga this evening against Racing Santander (8:00pm). A feat yet to happen since Frank Rijkaard took control of the team.

Barça: Frank Rijkaard looks to continue with rotating the first team line up ; this time around Belletti, Motta, Thuram and Saviola are given a rest in favour of Ezquerro, Silvinho and Márquez. The Mexican together with Sylvinho and Zambrotta all have the possibility of being in the starting 11. The state of the team is excellent; not a single player is being prevented from playing by injury.

The Opposition: Coached by Miguel Angel Portugal, the Cantabrian team cannot count on Moratón due to injury. A fearsome partnership up front of Pedro Munitis and the 'giant' Zigic. The rest of the team will be made up of a mix of experienced players, such as Pablo Alfaro and Luis Fernandez. Racing have lost both their opening two games by a single goal with no reply, therefore, they will be determined to cause an upset today in the search for their first victory.

The history: Of the 38 games played between the two teams in Santander, Racing have won 13 and Barça 11, with 14 draws. In his 3 years as coach, Frank Rijkaard has one win(0-2 in 2004/05), one loss (3-0 in 2003/04) and one draw (2-2 2005/06).