FCBARCELONA.CAT

03.05.2007 19:53

Anoeta is a happy hunting ground

Sergi Nogueras/Sandra Sarmiento

Real Sociedad's Anoeta stadium has proven to be a happy hunting ground for FC Barcelona as they have lost only three games in 13 visits since the arena opened in August 1993.

Frank Rijkaard takes his side to San Sebastian on Saturday evening for a fixture that has often seen the Blaugrana pick up points. In ten of the games against at la Real's ground in the past 13 seasons Barça have won or drawn. The current coach has yet to lose a game there, as the Dutchman has overseen two draws and a win in three outings.

Rijkaard's first visit

The first game that Rijkaard was in charge of at Anoeta was a spectacular 3-3 draw in 2003-04, which was even more creditable after Thiago Motta was sent off. Gabri scored the visitors third goal on the day as Barça completed a good week that saw them collect seven points from a possible nine.

League already won

During the 2004-05 campaign ended the season at Real Sociedad, having already secured the league title two weeks before at Levante. Samuel Eto'o was looking to add to his 25-goal tally to given him the Pichichi crown, but he was unable to find the net as the game finished goalless.

Last time out

On March 18 last year, Barça travelled north to Anoeta having beaten Chelsea in the Champions League. The Blaugrana were on course for a second consecutive championships and had little trouble securing a 2-0 victory. Henrik Larsson and Eto'o scored the goals either side of half time. The win saw Barça edge 11 points clear of Real Madrid, who were back in second place.