FCBARCELONA.CAT

15.09.2008 11:52

Fifth in a row to begin with a draw

Marc Guillén

Ever since Llorenç Serra Ferrer made his League debut as Barça manager in a match at Camp Nou with a win, all of Barça’s coaches have begun their home record with draws.

Pep Guardiola’s Barça side completely dominated the game against Racing de Santander only to concede the equaliser from the visitors’ only shot. The disappointment was acute as Barça dropped two points on their League debut at Camp Nou. The draw was the fifth in a row by debutant Barça managers at home.

The gazpacho game

Frank Rijkaard’s first match at Camp Nou was pretty odd. Barça’s second match of the 2003/04 League season was played at midnight so that Ronaldinho could play and the Brazilian scored a fantastic goal. However, the game ended in a one all draw.

Two debuts, two two-all draws

Two managers were in the Barça dugout in the 2002/03 season and both began with two-all draws on their League debuts at home. Van Gaal began the League campaign with a 2-2 draw against Atlètic de Madrid and Radomir Antic made his debut on matchday 21 with the same score against Athlètic Club de Bilbao.

Reixach first to draw

The first Barça manager to draw on his Camp Nou League debut was Carles Reixach, when he took over from Serra Ferrer and his side ended all square with Celta on matchday 32. Oddly enough Reixach’s Camp Nou debut the following season was also a one-one draw, this time against Rayo Vallecano.