FCBARCELONA.CAT

13.12.2009 13:09

Best start in club’s history

Edgar Fornós

With the victory against Espanyol in La Liga, Barça have now equalled the record established by Terry Venables’ side in the 1984-85 season.

Saturday’s victory against Espanyol not only places Barça as firm league leaders, but they are also on the verge of beating a club record (unbeaten for 15 games) established by Terry Venables’ Barça in the 1984-85 season. At the start of that season, Barça won 10 and drew 5, whereas so far this season they have won 12 and drawn 3.

More records

The defeat of Espanyol also means that Barça have won their last six games, after last drawing against Athletic Club Bilbao in San Mamés. Since then in the league, Barça have beaten Real Madrid, Deportivo Coruña, Jerez and recently Espanyol. In the Champions League, they have defeated Inter Milan and Dinamo Kiev.

"Ibra" back on form

Zlatan Ibrahimović reaffirmed his skill from the penalty spot. Just as with Real Madrid two weeks ago, his goal was worth three points. He is now Barça’s top league scorer with 11, just one behind Valencia’s top-scorer David Villa.

End of an unlucky spell

Barça also finally put an end to three seasons without beating Espanyol. The last time was when Frank Rijkaard’s side beat the blue-and-whites 2-0 in the 2005-06 season. Since then there have been two draws (2-2 & 0-0), and one defeat (1-2).

Individual award shared with everybody

Just before the match, Leo Messi received a standing ovation for the Ballon d’Or awarded to him in Paris, which he dedicated to the players and fans. Unfortunately, Messi had to watch the game from the stands after the injury he received in Kiev.