FCBARCELONA.CAT

21.11.2007 14:14

Rijkaard in front by one

Sandra Sarmiento

Frank Rijkaard and Víctor Muñoz have crossed paths on nine occasions since 2003-04 and the Dutchman is in the lead by just one victory over the current Recreativo boss.

The two trainers have met in five league encounters and four matches in the Copa del Rey, with the Barça boss having led his to victory four times and Muñoz taking the honours in three games, all when he was in charge of Real Zaragoza. This Saturday's game between the Blaugrana and Recre will be their tenth meeting.

Cup tied

The first clash between the pair came on January 21, 2004. Zaragoza had just sacked Paco Flores and appointed Muñoz. It was the away leg for Barça in the quarter finals of the Copa del Rey and the Aragónese side lost the tie thanks to David Villa's goal in Camp Nou. In 2005-06 the two clubs met in the cup again and there was the same outcome as Barça went out after seeing Ronaldinho sent off.

League leader

In the league, Rijkaard has the upper hand as he leads by three wins to one. Muñoz was victorious in their first meeting, but Rijkaard has led his ide to victory in the next three. The last time the two coaches met was on March 18, 2006 when Barça won 2-0 and Samuel Eto'o was outraged after was racially abused in La Romareda.