FCBARCELONA.CAT

17.11.2009 10:50

Good decade at the Cathedral

Sandra Sarmiento / Anna Segura

League leaders FC Barcelona restart their campaign at one of the traditionally most difficult grounds, but where they have a good record of late, and have only lost twice in eleven visits.

Barça were at San Mamés fairly recently, on August 16, to play the first leg of the Spanish Super Cup ( 1-2 ).

Now they go back to the Basque city, the first of a marathon set of fixtures for Barça this coming month .

Two defeats in 11 visits

San Mamés is always a special place to go to, and Athletic Club can be hard to beat at home, with their small pitch and passionate support. For Barça too, trips to the Cathedral have historically presented problems.

But the last eleven seasons have seen a big change in that, and the Catalans have only been beaten twice in Bilbao.

Back after a break

In the treble winning 2008/09 season, Barça also went to Bilbao after an international break, as they do this week. Last term, Xavi was out through injury and Messi was rested on the bench. Nevertheless, an Eto’o goal sealed the three points ( 0-1 ).

Memories for Bojan

Two seasons ago, Barça got a draw thanks to a Bojan strike. San Mamés was a happy hunting ground that season for the youngster, for not only did he score against Athletic Club, but also got one for Catalunya in their game with Euskadi.

Last defeat

Barça last lost at San Mamés in their double winning 2005/06. Having just won at Balaídos against FC Barcelona, the game at the Cathedral was a mere formality, and Rijkaard sent out a team of reserves, who lost 3-1.