6 March 2006, by Sean Gillen

Andrade agony overshadows Barcelona win

Barcelona 3-2 Deportivo

Jorge Andrade scored but was later carried off with a serious injury as Barcelona came from behind to beat Deportivo at the Nou Camp.

It was later confirmed the former Porto defender is to miss this summer’s World Cup finals after a collision with his goalkeeper Jose Molina tore ligaments in his left knee.

Barcelona, who rested Argentine wonderkid Lionel Messi, took the lead in the 3rd minute when Ronaldinho curled in an exquisite free-kick from 25 metres.

Deportivo reacted well though, and stunned the home side with two goals before the half-hour mark. Aldo Duscher’s excellent shot was tipped over by Barcelona ’keeper Victor Valdes and, from the resulting short corner, Sergio’s cross found the unmarked Juanma, who headed Depor level.

Depor took the lead in the 28th minute when Andrade took advantage of more slack defending, beating the Barca offside trap to head home a Pedro Munitis free-kick.

Barca were behind for just six minutes however. Swedish striker Henrik Larsson met a Ronaldinho corner with an excellent header to equalise in the 34th minute.

Depor were dealt a major blow when Andrade went down after an hour of play. After concern from players on both sides, TV pictures showed what looked like serious damage to the defender’s left knee.

The injury proved decisive as Samuel Eto’o scored the winner for Barcelona shortly after, tapping in from two metres after Depor failed to intercept a Ronaldinho corner.

Deco, who had a quiet game for the Champions, went close with a good shot late on but the final 20 minutes passed with little action of any note.

Barcelona move closer to the title but the match was marred by Andrade’s injury. Deportivo and Portugal will be ruing the loss of the influential defender who will not return until next season.


Barcelona:
Valdes, Belletti (Oleguer, 74), Silvinho, Marquez, Puyol, Edmilson, Iniesta (van Bommel, 45), Deco, Ronaldinho, Larsson (Giuly, 63), Eto’o
Yellow Cards: Edmilson (49), Van Bommel (69)

Deportivo La Coruña:
Molina, Manuel Pablo, Capdevilla, Andrade (Cesar, 60), Juanma, Duscher (De Guzman, 46), Sergio, Romero (Diego Tristan, 56), Victor, Munitis, Arizmendi
Yellow Cards: Juanma (2), Duscer (27), Capdevilla (29), Arizmendi (38), Munitis (49)

Goals:
[1-0] Ronaldinho, 3
[1-1] Juanma, 14
[1-2] Andrade, 27
[2-2] Larsson, 33
[3-2] Eto’o, 61