FCBARCELONA.CAT

07.12.2008 12:32

Now 20 games without defeat

Roger Bogunyà

FC Barcelona recorded their 20th consecutive game without losing on Saturday evening when they beat Valencia and the team has now not taste defeat since August 31 when they were beaten by Numancia.

Since then, Pep Guardiola's team have won 17 matches, with eleven wins in la Primera División, four in the Champions League and two in the Copa del Rey, as well as three draws. Curiously, the three draws have all come at Camp Nou with Racing Santander, Getafe and Basel all holding the Blaugrana on their own patch and all with a 1-1 scoreline.

Seven games away

The current Barça team are approaching the club's all-time record of 27 matches unbeaten that came about dueing the 1973/74 campaign when Rinus Michels was the coach and Johan Cruyff was in his pomp as a player on the pitch. That run began on Ocotber 3, 1973 and ran until April 21, 1974, with wins and draw in the league, the Copa del Rey and the UEFA Cup.

Henry against Valencia

Thierry Henry proved to be the decisive player in Barça's 20th game without defeat as he scored a hat-trick against Valencia on Saturday evening. It was the Frenchman's second triple in his time at the club as he previously netted three times against Levante in a 1-4 away win on September 29, 2007.

Valencia appear to be one of Henry's favourite teams to play as he scored twice in a 6-0 victory last season in Camp Nou and again in the semi final of the Copa del Rey.