FCBARCELONA.CAT

27.04.2009 11:20

Barça on top against Hiddink

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Hiddink will be taking on Barça for the ninth time this Tuesday, but for the first time in Europe. After having managed Valencia, Madrid and Betis, the Dutch coach has only beaten the Catalans twice.

Guus Hiddink has been up against Barça before. The current Chelsea coach managed Valencia, Madrid and Betis against Barça eight times in the Spanish League between 1991/92 and 1999/00, with 2 wins, 1 draw and 5 defeats.

Goal fest at Valencia

Two of Hiddink’s five defeats against Barça stand out for being spectacular. On 20 March 1993, Johan Cruyff’s Dream Team beat Hiddink’s Valencia 3-4 at Mestalla with both teams opting for all out attack. After being 2-1 down the Catalans won the game with goals by Nadal, Begiristain, Laudrup and Bakero, who got the winner in the 88th minute. That season Barça won their third League title in a row.

Thrashing Madrid

On 14 February 1999, Barça triggered Guus Hiddink’s sacking as Madrid coach when Louis van Gaal’s side won 3-0 with two goals from Luis Enrique and one from Rivaldo. Hiddink only lasted another week before being replaced by Welshman John Toshack until the end of the season.

Hiddink and Guardiola sent off

Hiddink has also beaten Barça. On 11 April 1992, his Valencia side won 1-0 with a strike from Fernando. Ronald Koeman missed a penalty, Guardiola was sent off for two yellows and Hiddink got a red for arguing.

Second win with Betis

His second win against Barça came with Betis on 13 February 2000 in a 2-1 victory. Ito and Alfonso scored for Betis, while Kluivert got Barça’s goal. That was the last game against the Catalans, as the following season he took over as South Korea’s coach and guided them to fourth spot in the 2002 World Cup.