FCBARCELONA.CAT

14.12.2008 12:42

Another set piece goal

Roger Bogunyà

FC Barcelona’s route to opening the scoring against Real Madrid came from a corner as Xavi’s centre was nodded down by Carles Puyol and Samuel Eto’o diverted the ball over the line.

Like in the games against Sporting Clube and Atlético de Madrid in Camp Nou, and also at Recreativo, the Blaugrana were able to open their account with a move that had been practiced on the training ground.

Practice makes perfect

The move against Real Madrid proved to be the most important of the night as the scoreline had remained goalless before that was produced with only seven minutes of the game remaining. Barça had seen a penalty saved before and it is appeared that Madrid grew in confidence slightly after that. But the set piece worked well with Xavi, Puyol and Eto’o combining to settle the game. According to Puyol “the move for the opening goal from Eto’o had been practiced with me arriving at the far post”.

Sporting goal

Barça had not scored from a corner in the league since they netted against Recreativo. Training ground moves also brought about goals in the Champions League encounter with Sporting Clube and in the league against Atlético de Madrid.

Against Los Colchoneros, Eidur Gudjohnsen met a cross following a short corner at the far post and he knocked the ball down for Gerard Piqué to prod home from close range.