BARÇA v BADALONA, Wednesday 8, November, 2006

Badalona may have lost the first leg of this Copa del Rey Fourth Round tie, but they certainly should not have been down-hearted afterwards.
Two goals from Eidur Gudjohnsen ensured that the Blaugrana were not embarrassed in the first game, while a late penalty from Pere Tarradellas meant that the home team had something to celebrate.
Such was the respect that Frank Rijkaard showed Barca’s northerly neighbours, that the Dutch coach named a very strong team two week sago.
Having defended the Camp Nou team on the opposite page, it was fair to say that there was some room for taking a swipe after their highly-paid stars were made to look distinctlyordinary by the Segunda B outfit. Barca are likely to field of second string and B-teamers for this game and the attendance will not be breaking any records as the Blaugrana’s fans interest in the Spanish cup until the final stages is minimal at best. For the visitors, though it is chance to play at Cam Nou and experience a taste of life in the big time.