01.10.2007 11:28
Never an easy trip
Miriam Nadal
Although Barca and Stuttgart have never met before, Barc ado have a long history of matches against German opponents.
There’s no easy games in Germany for Spanish teams who are forced to adapt to a harsher
climate and different tactics. In fact of the 21 games Barca have played in Germany, the most
normal result has been a draw – eight times, with six wins and seven defeats.
Nou Camp victories
It’s a different story at the Nou Camp, where Barca have beaten
German opponents on 15 of the 21 meetings, with one draw and five defeats.
Most recent games
Of late, Bayern Munich and Werder Bremen are the two teams that Barca have come across
most from Germany. Against the Bavarians, Barca won last August 0-1 in the Mehmet Scholl
testimonial, whilst last season’s Gamper Bayern were convincing 4-0 winners.
Werder Bremen have faced Barca in the last two editions of the Champions League. In the 05-06
tournament Barca won 3-1 at home and 2-0 in Germany, whilst a Messi goal gave Barca a useful point
in Bremen last year, on the night that Eto’o picked up the injury that marred his season.
Bayern Leverkusen were Barca’s rivals in the 01-02 and 02-03 seasons and won in Germany
in the first season, whilst losing in the Nou Camp 1-2 in the return game. The following year,
Barca won both home and away.
Sixteenth German team
Sttugart are the 16th German team Barca have faced, joining Bayern Leverkusen, Bayer Uerdingen,
Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, Werder Bremen, Colonia, Fortuna Dusseldorf, Hamburg, Hanover,
Hansa Rostock, Hertha Berlin, Kaiserlautern, Lokomotiv Leipzig, Magdeburg and an East German select
team.