FCBARCELONA.CAT

03.04.2009 11:43

Fond memories of the Nuevo Zorilla

David Puig

A save that won the league, a goal that saved a coach, Carles Puyol's debut and Andres Iniesta's first goal for FC Barcelona have all happened to the Catalan outfit during trips to Real Valladolid's Nuevo Zorilla stadium.

Barça play Real Valladolid on Saturday evening in an arena that has seen some memorable moments for the Blaugrana and many will be hoping that the current side can conjure up something positive to remember this trip by.

March 24, 1985. 1-2. Urruti’s winning save

Terry Venables' team visited the Nuevo Zorilla needing only two points more to be proclaimed as champions for the first time in eleven seasons. With four games to go before the end of the season and Barça eight points ahead of second placed Atletico de Madrid. The league appeared to be won with the visitors leading 1-2, thanks to goals from Clos and Alexanco, with a couple of minutes remaining only for the referee to award Valladolid a penalty and a tackle by Julio Alberto on Victor. Magico González stepped forward and struck the spot-kick only for Urruti to make the save and win Barça the league.

May 24, 1992. 0-6. League and European Cup

With the European Cup having already been secured at Wembley, FC Barcelona visited Real Valladolid with the objective being to catch Real Madrid and win their second league title in succession. The home side welcomed their visitors on to the pitch and were then overwhelmed by the Blaugrana's performance. Two goals each from Hristo Stoichkov, Ronald Koeman and Miguel Angel Nadal saw Barça record a six-goal winning margin to help clinch the title in the first of what would be described as the 'championship of Tenerife'.

December 20, 1998. 0-1. Xavi wins it

Many pundits believed that if Barcelona lost to Real Valladolid in their visit in this season then Louis van Gaal could be ushered out as head coach by the club. Travelling to the Nuevo Zorilla in a bad run of form, the Blaugrana looked unlikely to be in the hunt for the title. But a young Xavi Hernández netted the only goal of the game to give Barça victory and that changed the season around as the team went on to win the championship to add to the Copa del Rey.
October 2, 1999. 0-2. Puyol’s debut

October 2, 1999. 0-2 Puyol's debut

The date will always remain with Carles Puyol as it was the day that he made his official first team debut. The defender went on in the 56th minute as a
substitute to replace Simao Sabrosa and played as right-back. Puyol was noticeable as he charged forward to help build the attack and since that day has become a hero at FC Barcelona for his desire and dedication to the club.

April 10, 2004. 1-3. Iniesta’s first goal

Barça were looking to continue their run of good results as they battled back from a poor start to the campaign and needed a win on the 3nd weekend of the season to push themselves towards the European spots. Frank Rijkaard's side were able to impress as Iniesta netted his first ever goal for the club after going on as a substitute to replace Gerard. Barça rose to third in the table thanks to the win and surpassed the club record of six consecutive away wins.