FCBARCELONA.CAT

13.12.2008 23:13

Barça back in clásico command

Jordi Clos

Barça have ended a run of three years without winning the clásico at the Camp Nou, and also won their third league game in a row.

It is more than four years since Barça last beat Real Madrid in a league fixture at the Camp Nou. The last time was on November 20, result was 3-0, with goals from Eto'o, Gio and Ronaldinho.

Since then, they have drawn twice and lost once to the eternal enemy. In the double-winning year, the sides drew 1-1 (Ronaldinho scored for the home team but his compatriot Ronaldo got the equaliser). The clásico of 2007 will be remembered for the Leo Messi hat-trick, but even that was not enough to avoid a 3-3 draw. Last term, Madrid won at the Camp Nou thanks to a goal scored by Baptista.

Barça beating big guns

The clásico this year formed part of what the press is likening to the Tourmalet climb in the Tour de France. They started the stage with a spectacular 3-0 win away to Sevilla, then followed that with a magnificent 4-0 drubbing of title hopefuls Valencia. The third meeting was with Madrid, and the Catalans once again came out tops, and will end the four-match series with a trip to Villarreal next week. Barça go to El Madrigal having won three out of three, scoring nine goals and conceding none at all!