FCBARCELONA.CAT

03.03.2008 13:49

Previous matches have been tough

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The last two matches between Barça and Celtic in the Camp Nou have been close, hard-fought encounters, with both games ending in a draw.

Barça’s 2-3 victory achieved a fortnight ago at Celtic Park gives the Catalans the upper hand for the second leg of their last 16 tie. However, there’s no room for over-confidence as Celtic will once again undoubtedly display their never-say-die spirit and the dangers of their crossing game. The previous two encounters between the sides in the Camp Nou in recent years ended in stalemate and show that Barça will have to keep up the pressure on Tuesday right to the final whistle.

Goalless draw

In Frank Rijkaard’s first season as Barça coach in 2003-04, Barça and Celtic were drawn together in the last 16 of the UEFA Cup. After losing 1-0 in Glasgow to an Alan Thompson goal, the blaugranes were unable to turn the tie around at home in a match that finished 0-0.

Defensive wall

A year later in the 2004-05 season the two clubs were pitted against each other again, this time in the group stages of the Champions League. Barça won in Scotland by 1-3 but in the Camp Nou they came up against a rock-solid defensive wall and despite having loads of chances the game ended in a 1-1 draw.

Just one win

The last time Barça beat Celtic in the Camp Nou was way back in the 1964-65 season. The Catalans won the first leg of their fourth round Fairs Cup encounter 3-1 with goals by Zaldúa, Seminario and Rifé. The side managed by Vicente Sasot then closed out the tie with a 0-0 draw in Glasgow.

Can’t score away from home

One positive thing for the blaugranes is that this season Celtic are not having a good time in front of goal away from Celtic Park. The Hoops were unable to find the net even once in their three matches in the group stages at Shakhtar, Benfica and Milan. They went down 1-0 in Donetsk, 1-0 in Lisbon and 2-0 in Milan.