FCBARCELONA.CAT

13.09.2007 16:46

Two goals to remember

David Puig

Osasuna’s stadium was the setting for one of Barça’s best goals in recent years. 2 Brazilians, Romario and Ronaldinho, left their mark with two goals that form part of the Club’s history, not only for their importance but also for their beauty.

On 3rd October 1993, the spectators in the old Sadar stadium were left astounded by one of the most extraordinary goals they had ever seen. In the 38th minute of the first half, Laudrup made one of his trademark passes to Romario that the Brazilian striker sent to the back of the net with a beautifully placed chip that sailed past Osasuna keeper Unanua. That goal was seen around the world and was widely recognised as one of the best of the season. Barça won the match 2-3, showing that the team that had won three league titles and a European Cup still had plenty of football left in it. In fact, that season, the Dream Team won its fourth consecutive league title, the last with Johan Cruyff at the helm.

The magic of Ronaldinho

Ten years later, in the same setting, Ronaldinho scored one of his most beautiful goals for Barça. It was the 23rd matchday of the season and Barça came to Pamplona in the middle of a run of results that was hauling the Club up from the middle of the table. A win was essential for the team, managed by Frank Rijkaard, to break into the Champions League positions.

It was the 77th minute of the match and the score stood at 1-1. Just when the game was going badly for Barça, Ronaldinho produced a piece of magic to seize on a deflected shot by Davids and leave the Osasuna defence rooted to the spot. That great goal knocked the stuffing out of Osasuna and Barça went on to win 1-2. The three points catapulted Barça into fourth place and contributed to a tremendous end of season finish that ended in a fully deserved runners-up place.