FCBARCELONA.CAT

12.03.2007 17:00

Comfortable at the top

FC Barcelona are back on top of la Primera once again and increased their record as the team that has been in first place for the majority of the campaign, having occupied the summit for 17 of the 26 weeks of the season.

Frank Rijkaard’s team are co-leaders, alongside Sevilla, with 50 points and are becoming accustomed to being out in front as they have enjoyed the privilege for 17 weeks so far during the 2006-07 campaign. The means that the Blaugrana have been first for 65 per cent of the time, while for the other nine weekends, Sevilla have been in first spot.

Top on day four

Barca went top for the first time after the fourth round matches in La Liga. Before that they had been in second position behind Sevilla, who were only ahead on goal difference. The Blaugrana’s home draw with Valencia (1-1) was enough to put them into first place as Sevilla lost 2-1 against Atletico de Madrid. The tables were turned after nine matches as Barca drew 1-1 at Deportivo on the same weekend as Sevilla beat Osasuna 2-0.

Fast return

It did not take long for Rijkaard’s outfit to move back into pole position as weekend ten saw Barca win 3-1 at home to Real Zaragoza, while Sevilla were held to a goalless draw by Racing Santander in El Sardinero.

The Blaugrana stayed at the summit until weekend 14 as their game against Real Betis was postponed as they flew round the world to participiate in the FIFA Club World Cup. Sevilla did not let the opportunity pass they won and stayed on top until the 18th round of matches.

Role reversal

On weekend 19, Barcelona won 3-0 at home to Nastic and then drew at Real Betis in midweek (January 24) and those four points were enough to see the team return to first place. The last time the leadership changed was last week when Sevilla beat Barca 2-1 in the Sanchez Pizjuan and edged above the Catalan outfit, but the situation was reversed, once again, this weekend when Barca earned a point in a 3-3 with Real Madrid, while Sevilla were beaten by Nastic.