FCBARCELONA.CAT

07.12.2007 11:45

Home advantage against Depor

Sandra Sarmiento

Frank Rijkaard will be looking for a fourth consecutive victory over Deportivo La Coruña in Camp Nou on Sunday as the Galicians have a poor track record on Barça's home pitch.

The two clubs have met on 37 occasions in Camp Nou and the Blaugrana have a total of 29 victories and have lost on just three occasions. Despite that, Depor have always caused Barça problems under Rijkaard and his team have had to battle for the points in every game. After losing his first season in charge, however, the Dutchman has since recorded a hat-trick of close victories and will be hoping for another this weekend.

Depor record first win

In Rijkaard's first year at the helm, Barça had a difficult start to the season and had one just once in their opening six games before Depor arrived in Catalunya. The visitors that day had just completed a strong campaign during 2002-03, when they impressed in the Champions League. Continuing that good form, Javier Irureta's side won 2-0 at Camp Nou thanks to goals from Albert Luque and Sergio González.

Three close wins

In the last three seasons, though, Barça have come away with maximum points in each of their meetings, but have always been made to work for them. During 2004-05, Fran gave Depor the lead before the home team fought back and Samuel Eto'o eventually snatched victory. A year later, Ronaldinho, Henrik Larsson and Eto'o, again, were the key men in the Blaugrana's victory as they won with a strong second half display. Last term, Eto'o again was at the centre of everything and, along with Lionel Messi, and Barça won, despite Adrian netting for the visitors.

From that day

From Rijkaard's first game in charge against Depor only three players are still with Barça and three are still with Deportivo. For the Catalan outfit, Víctor Valdés, Carles Puyol and Ronaldinho are in line to play again this weekend, while the Galicians still have Manuel Pablo, Sergio González and Juan Valerón from that day.