FCBARCELONA.CAT

20.08.2007 14:05

Ten years of good starts

Sandra Sarmiento

FC Barcelona are about to get the new league season under way. In the last ten years, the team has won seven and drawn three of their opening matches.

Rijkaard’s already knows what it is like to start a season at the Sardinero, where on August 29, 2004 Barça kicked off with a win against Racing Santander. New signings Eto'o and Ludovic Giuly both scored in Cantabria. That was just one of ten opening games in which Barcelona have never lost, scoring 17 goals and conceding just 6.

Rivaldo gets Van Gaal off to top start

In 1997, with Van Gaal on the bench, Barça got off to a winning start against Bernd Krauss’ Real Sociedad. Rivaldo scored twice and Giovanni added a third to start off a season which Barça would go on to win with a 9-point advantage on second placed Athletic Bilbao.

Third start at Sardinero

This is the third time in ten years that Racing v Barça has been the opening game. The sides also met in a goalless draw in 98-99, the same result of the game at Mendizorroza on August 27, 2005 against Alavés.

Good starts for Rijkaard

Frank Rijkaard’s first campaign as FC Barcelona boss began at San Mamés. And the result was a 1-0 win against Bilbao thanks to a goal by fellow Dutchman Cocu. The game also marked Ronaldinho’s official debut for the club.

Under Rijkaard, Barça have started seasons with three wins and one draw (at Alavés). Last year, FC Barcelona got the first three points at Balaídos thanks to a spectacular Gudjohnsen goal.