FCBARCELONA.CAT

23.08.2007 19:04

The Golden Goal

Berta Brau

Juliano Belletti, the man to store the crucial goal to give FC Barcelona the Champions League crown for only the second time, has left the club after spending three successful years.

The Brazilian defender moves on leaving the memory of his historic goal, which happened to be his only goal in official competitions with the blaugrana. During his time with Barça, Belletti won two Liga titles, a Champions League title and two Spanish Supercup titles.

Three Seasons

Belletti arrived at Barça in the summer of 2004 following his transfer from Villarreal. His debut came against Racing Santander on the 29th of August of the same year, where he set up Giuly for a goal. That season he was the clear first choice at right back and participated in nearly all the games.

His presence was habitual during the following season—notching up 27 Liga games and 10 Champions League. However, his participation last season was somewhat limited—playing in only 13 Liga games and only two appearances in the Champions League.

Into the History Books

Belletti secured his place in the Barça history books on the 17th of May 2006: Belletti picked up a pass from Larsson in the area and got a shot off despite pressure from Flamini, the ball found its way through the legs of the advancing Alumnia and into the back of the net. 2-1 Barça. Belletti had only come on a few minutes earlier, but it did not take him long to play a key role.