13 November 2006, by Sean Gillen

Ronaldinho hits form as Barcelona bounce back

Barcelona 3-1 Real Zaragoza

Ronaldinho was the inspiration as Barcelona came from behind to record a much-needed victory over high-flying Zaragoza at the Nou Camp. The champions moved back to the top of La Liga after claiming all three points from an eventful encounter, in which both sides were reduced to ten men.

Barca went into the game under huge pressure, having won just one of their last five games in La Liga and the Champions League. Deco continued in midfield for Los Cules, and gave a hard-working performance for his side against a strong Zaragoza team.

The hosts’ possession count of 79% in the opening ten minutes was an indication of their intent, and Eidur Gudjohnsen failed to find the far corner from a tight angle early on. The Icelandic striker was then put through by Sylvinho, but Zaragoza goalkeeper Cesar was quick to close him down and blocked his finish.

Despite Barca’s pressure, Zaragoza stunned the 85,000 strong Camp Nou crowd by taking the lead with pretty much their first real threat in the game. Andres D’Alessandro’s corner was met by the unmarked Gabriel Milito, and the Argentine centre-back side-footed the ball into the roof of Victor Valdes’ net.

The visitors grew in confidence after that, and began to play some good football without really creating any clear-cut chances to increase their advantage. However, just as the Barca fans were becoming frustrated, Ronaldinho drew his side level. Deco’s corner was whipped into the danger zone, and the Brazilian scored a rare headed goal, nodding downwards past Cesar.

Free-flowing match

The remainder of the first period was an open, end-to-end affair, with both sides looking dangerous. However, the second half began with Zaragoza adopting a more cautious approach, and Barcelona began to exert pressure on their opponents in the search for the crucial second goal.

Although the champions played plenty of attractive build-up football, there was a lack of end product as they struggled to find a way past the Zaragoza defence, and in particular the impressive Milito.

Things became heated on 73 minutes when Barca’s Thiago Motta was harshly sent off, after being adjudged to have elbowed Diego Milito. The Brazilian’s attempts to shrug off Milito, brother of Zaragoza’s goalscorer, saw the striker collapse to the ground, holding his face, after little contact.

After initially waving play on, the referee consulted his linesman, who instructed that Motta be dismissed. Barca players, substitutes and management protested furiously, and play was halted for several minutes as the situation threatened to boil over.

Almost immediately after play resumed the referee levelled the playing field by sending off goalscorer and defensive stalwart Gabriel Milito for a last-man foul on Saviola, after he had gifted the Barca sub possession.

Zaragoza sub Angel Lafita tested Valdes with a powerful effort, before Ronaldinho sent the home fans into delirium with the inspirational moment on 86 minutes. The Brazilian curled a sublime free-kick into the top corner, and immediately ran over to the Barca bench to celebrate with his delighted manager.

Despite the setback, Zaragoza may have snatched a late equaliser when Valdes saved Ewerthon’s header and the rebound was fired over the bar.

Barca wrapped up the points deep into injury time, and it was again Ronaldinho who was at the heart of the goal. Another superb free-kick cannoned off the underside of the crossbar, and a grateful Saviola nodded into an empty net to seal a much needed victory for a relieved Catalan crowd.

Barcelona:
Valdes, Zambrotta, Sylvinho, Marquez, Puyol, Edmilson (Motta, 29), Iniesta, Deco, Messi (Giuly, 23), Ronaldinho, Gudjohnsen (Saviola, 67)
Yellow Cards: Marquez (68), Ronaldinho (81), Sylvinho (88), Deco (92)
Red Cards: Motta (73)

Zaragoza:
Cesar, Diogo, Juanfran, Sergio, G.Milito, Zapater, Celades (Ponzio, 27), Aimar (Pique, 79), D’Alessandro (Lafita, 68), Ewerthon, D.Milito
Yellow Cards: Zapater (38), D’Alessandro (47), Diogo (48), Ponzio (50), Juanfran (76), Sergio (96)
Red Cards: G.Milito (76)

Goals:
[0-1] G. Milito, 17
[1-1] Ronaldinho, 31
[2-1] Ronaldinho, 86
[3-1] Saviola, 96