FCBARCELONA.CAT

10.09.2008 14:07

16 wins in 20 opening games at Camp Nou

Berta Brau

League action returns to Camp Nou this weekend and that usually spells goals, drama and good results for FC Barcelona as the team have recorded 16 wins and four draws, scoring 45 goals and conceding just 12, in their last 20 opening matches at home.

The Blaugrana's previous 20 first home games of the season are usually a reason for optimism with the team earning points on a regular basis against whichever team they are drawn to play. It is not since Sevilla won 2-1 in 1987-88 that the Catalan outfit have been beaten in their opening game in their own stadium at the first attempt.

Two decades without defeat

Espanyol, Valencia, Real Sociedad, Real Madrid, Racing, Mérida, Extremadura, Real Zaragoza, Málaga, Rayo, Atlético de Madrid, Sevilla, Real Mallorca, Osasuna and Athletic Club de Bilbao are the different teams to have taken on Barça on the first home game in the past two decades.

No change

A change of players, coaches and presidents have not had any effect on the Blaugrana's good form in front of their own fans in the first league encounter of the season and everyone will be hoping that this term is no exception to the others. Goals are usually in great supply and there is almost always plenty to cheer about and celebrate.

45 goals in 20 games

In the previous 20 matches, the home team have netted 45 goals while conceding just 12 times to build up an impressive record in these games that can only grow better and better.

The biggest win

In the 1989-90 campaign, Osasuna were the first visitors to Camp Nou and the home team were raring to go leaving their opponents left feeling helpless. Ronald Koeman scored twice while Michael Laudrup and Eusebio added one apiece as Barça recorded an emphatic 4-0 victory on Johan Cruyff's debut at the helm.