There’s always football at the Camp Nou

Barça were the better side against Stuttgart in the final, and ultimately irrelevant, game in the Champions league group stage.

In a lively encounter, Giovani, Eto'o and Ronaldinho responded to an early goal from Antonio da Silva.


It was not unlike Saturday’s early setback against Deportivo, as Barça responded with stylish football. Giovani evened affairs in the first half and Eto'o and Ronaldinho added two more to continue Barça’s amazing home form this season.

German surprise
The game got off to an electric start, with Antonio da Silva putting the visitors ahead in the second minute with a splendid free kick that struck the bar and Jorquera’s body before going in. Eto'o almost levelled the game seconds later after taking advantage of a confusion in the Stuttgart defence, but failed to beat Schafer. The visiting keeper was also called upon to defy Xavi’s shot after a great team move in the 11th minute and Giovani and Eto'o both came close before the first quarter of an hour was up.



Giovani on target
Ewerthon came close at one point, but it was generally one way traffic in the Catalans’ favour. The side that was already group champion before the game kicked off eventually got their reward when Giovani found the target with a goal that was vehemently protested by the Stuttgart players, who felt the Mexican had scored from a pass delivered by Ronaldinho’s hand. The second half almost started in identical fashion to the first when Antonio da Silva very nearly struck home from a corner.

Eto'o’s first since his comeback
Johan Neeskens, replacing the suspended Rijkaard, sent on Bojan in the second half, a player seeking to become the youngest ever Champions League goalscorer. Barça went ahead twelve minutes into the second half when Xavi stole the ball in midfield and guided it towards Eto'o who hit home with a powerful left-footed strike. The Cameroonian was substituted soon after and left the field to a standing ovation.



Ronaldinho smiles
And then came Ronaldinho’s moment. His involvement in a terrific move in the 67th minute led to a goal that he himself finished off was rewarded with the stadium chanting his name, and the Brazilian almost beat Schafer from a free kick moments later. Barça were in total control, although Ewerthon could have scored from a long shot that struck the bar. All attention had turned to Bojan and whether or not he would be able to score that record-breaking goal, but it wasn’t to be.

Given the lack of anything other than honour being at stake, this was a thoroughly convincing display from Barça as they go unbeaten into the next round of the Champions league.



Goals :

0-1 Antonio da Silva (min 2)
1-1 Giovani (min 35)
2-1 Eto'o (min 57)
3-1 Ronaldinho (min 67)


Source : FCB