FCBARCELONA.CAT

11.12.2007 17:20

Penalties spot on for Barça

Jordi Clos

Whether it be the league, the cup or in Europe, Barça have made no mistake from the penalty spot this season. Messi (4), Ronaldinho (2) and Gudjohnsen (1) have converted all seven of the penalties awarded to Barça this season.

If Barça get a penalty, you can be fairly certain that a goal will soon follow. Ronaldinho is a renowned specialist from eleven metres, but Leo Messi is also proving to be a strong guarantee. And with neither on the pitch, Eidur Gudjohnsen took the responsibility in the Copa de Rey, and he made no mistake either.

7 out of 7

The first penalty of the year was taken by Ronaldinho against Athletic Club (3-1). Leo Messi took the next three, against Sevilla (2-1), Almería (2-0) and Recreativo (3-0). Ronaldinho was back last week to score the equaliser against Deportivo (2-1).

In the Champions League only one penalty has been awarded in Barça’s favour, away to Lyon, and Messi did the business and struck his effort past Vercoute (2-2). And Gudjohnsen sentenced the first leg of the cup tie with a penalty (0-3).

Nine months of effectiveness

Nobody has missed a penalty for Barça since March 3 when Palop thwarted Ronaldinho’s intentions to avoid letting in a second goal at the Sánchez Pizjuán (2-1). The Brazilian made amends by scoring a spot kick against Betis, the last to be awarded to Barcelona last season.