1-2: Brazilians Break Camp Nou Jinx!



Roberto Carlos and Ronaldo made history repeat itself. His targets gave Real the triumph at Camp Nou, which had been denied to the Whites in Liga for twenty years. The thing that will certainly pass into history is Casillas’ gloves. Iker stood up to save his team when it was going through the worst moments. Besides, this win has a double significance as it also allows Queiroz’ boys to stick to the top position. Real Madrid did not quite give the finishing touch to its control of the game. The usual lethal play was not shown on the field, so the locals managed to even the fight up in terms of possesion of the ball. It was the 35th minute of play when Casillas had to get down to the job and save the goal that Xavi could have scored from a free kick. This action seemed to spark off the white pride. The response could not be more clear: Beckham saw Zidane unmarked, the Frenchman held off until Roberto Carlos stepped in to fire. The ball hit Reiziger and then went into the net (37’). The target was hit when least expected, but it was obvious it had to come from the amazing play Madrid showed in the left flank.

Ronaldo-Roberto Carlos partnership
Real Madrid’s danger dropped. They needed a bit of a push to get back into the game. Figo took care of giving the push to Roberto Carlos, who, in an electrifying move, sent the ball to Ronaldo’s feet. The Brazilian striker was in his element, inside the area, and showed no mercy. His low missile touched the net. It was the Brazilian connection working perfectly well again. 20 years later Real wins the classic again at Camp Nou. The Whites had not beaten Barcelona in an away Liga game since 1983.

Rijkard sent Saviola on seeking a feat. Kluivert made the dream possible with a perfect header (82’). It was time to suffer. A win at Camp Nou is never an easy task. Casillas, a minute later, had to show his skills in order to prevent the draw in a one-to-one fight with Gerard. The home side charged the the visitors in a desperate attempt to rally. But then, Queiroz’ boys managed to keep in the lead. December 6th will be a historical date in the Barcelona-Real Madrid record. Madrid stays at the top. It was a possible thing to do.

THE MATCH
1 - BARCELONA: Valdes; Gabri (Overmars, 45’), Puyol, Reiziger, Van Bronckhorst; Xavi, Cocu, Motta (Saviola, 77’); Gerard; Luis Garcia (Cuaresma, 45’) and Kluivert.
2 - REAL MADRID: Casillas; Salgado, Pavon, Raul Bravo, Roberto Carlos; Helguera, Beckham; Figo, Raul (Solari, 85’), Zidane; and Ronaldo (Portillo, 76’).
GOALS:
0-1 (37’): Zidane kicks towards the edge of the area and Roberto Carlos beats Valdes after the ball brushes Reiziger.
0-2 (73’): Ronaldo beats Valdes with a powerul shot.
1-2 (82’): Kluivert, header, from a corner kick.
REFEREE: Carmona Mendez (Extremadura Referees Association). He cautioned Motta, Roberto Carlos, Cocu, Puyol, Xavi, Salgado.
STADIUM: Camp Nou. 92.500 spectators. Liga Matchday 15. Before the game, Tennis players Corretja and Costa played a tie break in the middle of the field and singer Beth performed some of her tunes. A minute of silence was kept in memory of former Barcelona player Pesudo.