Barça swagger returns in Racing romp (23.01.2005)
Barcelona were back at their imperious best on Saturday as they taunted and teased Racing Santander in a comprehensive 3-0 win at the Camp Nou. Meanwhile, Athletic Bilbao completed an extraordinary comeback from a three-goal deficit to snatch a 4-3 victory over shell-shocked Osasuna.
Barcelona started the game confidently, taking the lead in the eighth minute when Cameroon striker Samuel Eto`o raced on to a pass from midfielder Xavi and coolly slotted the ball through the legs of Racing keeper Dudu.
Despite dominating possession in the first half, Barcelona were unable to
press home their advantage. Mexican midfielder Rafael Marquez and 2004 FIFA world player of the year Ronaldinho both squandered clear opportunities before goal.
The Brazilian, however, notched up Barcelona`s second in the 75th minute when he drilled a long-range strike into the bottom right corner.
The third goal came courtesy of another long-range shot, this time from Portuguese midfielder Deco, which lofted over the head of a stranded Dudu after taking a deflection from a Racing defender.
Real Madrid are at home to struggling Real Mallorca on Sunday.
