FCBARCELONA.CAT

02.10.2009 11:07

Hugo Sánchez returns to Camp Nou

Manel Tomàs / Jesús Carrillo

Hugo Sánchez returns to Camp Nou on Saturday evening as coach of Almería for the first time since he last played at the stadium on January 27, 1991 for Real Madrid.

The Mexican international striker was, without doubt, a symbol of Los Merengues as he was a key member of the Quinta del Buitre side of the late 1980's and had a habit of scoring against Barça, with ten goals to his name. That rivalry though is long forgotten and now he will be tying to guide his team to cause an upset against Pep Guardiola's outfit in the sixth game of the league season.

Two attempts to sign Sánchez

Sánchez's relationship with Barça could have been much closer however, as the Catalan giants tried to sign him on two occasions. In 1984 and again in 1991 the club made approaches, but both times were unable to secure his signature.

First try in 1984

In the summer of 1984 Barça had just sold Diego Maradona to Napoli and were in search of a new forward. Sánchez's name was put forward at a time when he was impressing for Atlético de Madrid. Negotiations were held and Sánchez delcared that if he signed for Barça then all the fans in Camp Nou would forget completely about Maradona.

Venables opts for Archibald

Terry Venables did not want the striker and instead preferred to sign Steve Archibald from Tottenham Hotspur. Sánchez went on to become the top scorer int eh league 19 goals in the 1984/85 season and with eal Madrid he topped the charts on no less than four occasions with his record being; 1985/86 (22 goals), 1986/87 (34 goals), 1987/88 (29 goals) and 1989/90 (38 goals).

1991: a second try

In 1991 Barça were keen to add a striker to the Dream Team and again focussed on Sánchez but after seven years a lot had changed and the Mexican had a serious injury and was set to leave Real Madrid.