A hard fought point (1-1)

Barça were unable to take all three points but they achieved a well earned point in Riazor, in a game which saw few opportunities in front of goal.

Barça and Deportivo both played their parts in a hard fought game which, at times, was interrupted due to many fouls. Ronaldinho gave Barça the lead with a first half penalty at a time when the game was well balanced. After the break, Barça came out intent on taking control of the game, however, this was not to be. Valdes saved a penalty first time around but could not quite keep out the follow up shot as Depor drew level.

The team took to the field wearing a black arm band as a sign of respect due to the death of Captain Carles Puyol's father and that of ex player Sergi Lopez. Changes to the line up from the midweek game included: Thuram in for Puyol, Saviola up front, Edmilson as the midfield talisman and Iniesta completing the midfield line with Deco.

Equal start

Deportivo came out of the blocks well and had caused Barça many problems early on. Despite Barça having the majority of possession, they were unable to find a way through the defensive line. Good midfield play from the Galician team was enough to deny Deco and Iniesta creating any dangerous offensive moves. Up until the latter stages of the first half, the game had been well balanced with few notable opportunities coming to either team; the best falling to Cristian and Andrés Iniesta.

The last five minutes

With the first half coming to an end, the Barça players began to feel a little more comfortable on pitch. Following an offensive move by the blaugrana, the referee had adjudged that Juanma had fouled Saviola in the area and gave a penalty. Ronaldinho neatly slotted home despite the pressure of the home crowd.

The Brazilian, who was captain for the game, celebrated his goal by kissing the captain's arm band and dedicating the goal to Carles Puyol. Depor wanted a quick response and nearly found it through a header from Lopo following a corner. Barça responded themselves with a shot from Deco which brushed the post after a fine pass from Messi.

Continued attack

After the break, Barça continued to control the game; showing greater organization in their build up play, although the front three failed to receive many good final passes. Iniesta had the most notable of chances in minute 61. A great solo effort where he weaved his way through four defenders but could not quite get his shot away beyond the advancing keeper, Saviola followed up the rebound but his shot did not find a way through. Joaquin Caparrós' team, for their part, were playing hard in search of the equalizer and came close in the 63rd minute; Verdú's free kick was saved by Valdes and the rebound fell to Riki in the six yard box, who was unable to connect due to the multitude of players surrounding him.

A little luck

The referee saw a foul by Edmilson on Verdu in the area and gave a penalty on the 71th minute. Valdes brilliantly saved, however, the defence was unable to prevent Juan Rodriguez following up and scoring off the rebound, despite Valdes doing his best to stop it. With the scores now level, both teams went on the attack in search of the winning goal. Messi had a good opportunity but squandered his shot wide in the 76th minute and the last dangerous opportunity fell to Estoyanoff and Cristian, who were unable to convert.

League leaders want victory in Riazor

Barça's visit to Riazor is one which can be used to demonstrate their strength as league leaders; the blaugrana want to continue to their dominance over their rivals.

Tonight (22:00, TV3/La Sexta) Barça visit Riazor where they will have a great opportunity to stamp their authority as league leaders. The blaugrana wish to put the past few weeks behind them and take all three points away from Deportivo.

All available: Frank Rijkaard has taken with him all 19 first team players available; staying in Barcelona are Eto'o, Xavi and Gudjohnsen. However, Carles Puyol has just had to return to Barcelona for personal reasons. With this in mind, Rijkaard will have to chose between Messi, Ronaldinho, Saviola, Exquerro and Giuly to take up the three front positions. In defence, Marquez and Thuram are the likely match up, while in midfield Iniesta could come in with either Edmilson or Motta.

Three blaugranas: Joaquin Caparros' second season in charge of Deportivo sees him put his trust in a team full of new talent. Among them are three players who played for Barça B, and also a small part in the first team, last season. Christian, Verdú and Rodri. Christian has had the most opportunities this season; playing six of the eight games, Verdú with three and Rodri with just one. Caparros has two very competent strikers in Riki and Arizmendi, who have bagged 4 goals between them so far, also, in defence he can boast ex-Real Madrid defender Arbeloa and ex Espanyol defender Lopo. On top of this, the Galician team can count on the veteran Catalans Capdevila and Sergio or the Argentine Coloccini.

The build up: After a drought of victories in Riazor between 1997-98 and 2002-03, the past few seasons have brought positive results for Barça. Since Rijkaard took charge, Barça have not lost in this stadium. The last three visits have resulted in two victories (2-3 and 0-1) and a draw (3-3).