09.11.2010 12:37

Puyol approaches the 500 mark

www.fcbarcelona.cat

On Wednesday, in the cup game against Ceuta, Carles Puyol could reach the historic landmark of five hundred official games with FC Barcelona.

Everybody knows that Carles Puyol is one of the best defenders the club has ever had, and one of the most lauded centre backs in the game right now. Aged 32, and now in his twelfth season with the club, the team captain could make it to half a thousand matches against Ceuta.

102 in Champions League

Only two players, Migueli (549) and Xavi (540) can claim to have done likewise. And of the 500 games played by Puyol, not only has he played 338 in La Liga, but also 102 in the Champions League, showing just what an important asset he is. He has lifted the last two Champions League trophies.

The 499 games to date also feature 38 in the Cup, 9 in the UEFA Cup, 6 in the Spanish Super Cup, 4 in the Clubs World Cup and 2 in the Spanish Super Cup.

Special goals

Puyol has always been famed for his dedication and last-ditch tackles. Goalscoring is far from his most important responsibility, yet he has been on target at some key moments. He has nine goals in all, and the best remembered are the one from an overhead kick nine years ago against Tenerife, a side he has scored against twice, his header at the Bernabéu on the day of the famous 2-6 and another similar goal this year against Valencia (2-1).