27.04.2009 11:20
Barça on top against Hiddink
www.fcbarcelona.cat
Hiddink will be taking on Barça for the ninth time this Tuesday, but for the first time in Europe. After having managed Valencia, Madrid and Betis, the Dutch coach has only beaten the Catalans twice.
Guus Hiddink has been up against Barça before. The current Chelsea coach managed Valencia, Madrid
and Betis against Barça eight times in the Spanish League between 1991/92 and 1999/00, with 2 wins,
1 draw and 5 defeats.
Goal fest at Valencia
Two of Hiddink’s five defeats against Barça stand out for being spectacular. On 20
March 1993, Johan Cruyff’s Dream Team beat Hiddink’s Valencia 3-4 at Mestalla with both
teams opting for all out attack. After being 2-1 down the Catalans won the game with goals by
Nadal, Begiristain, Laudrup and Bakero, who got the winner in the 88th minute. That season Barça
won their third League title in a row.
Thrashing Madrid
On 14 February 1999, Barça triggered Guus Hiddink’s sacking as Madrid coach when
Louis van Gaal’s side won 3-0 with two goals from Luis Enrique and one from Rivaldo. Hiddink
only lasted another week before being replaced by Welshman John Toshack until the end of the
season.
Hiddink and Guardiola sent off
Hiddink has also beaten Barça. On 11 April 1992, his Valencia side won 1-0 with a strike from
Fernando. Ronald Koeman missed a penalty, Guardiola was sent off for two yellows and Hiddink got a
red for arguing.
Second win with Betis
His second win against Barça came with Betis on 13 February 2000 in a 2-1 victory. Ito
and Alfonso scored for Betis, while Kluivert got Barça’s goal. That was the last game against
the Catalans, as the following season he took over as South Korea’s coach and guided them to
fourth spot in the 2002 World Cup.