Source: CCTV.com
12-22-2006 14:35
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| Barcelona's player Eidur Gudjohnsen kicks the ball during the Spanish First Division soccer match against Atletico Madrid at Nou Camp Stadium in Barcelona, Dec. 21, 2006. Barcelona was held to a 1-1 home draw by Atletico Madrid on Thursday which left it three points behind league leader Sevilla going into the two-week Christmas break. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo) |
After suffering a defeat in the Club World Cup final in Japan on Sunday, another disappointment for Barcelona came on Thursday.
Frank Rijkaard's team were hoping to make up ground on leaders Seville in La Liga.
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| Barcelona's player Ronaldinho (L) fights for the ball against Atletico Madrid's Luciano Galletti during their Spanish First Division soccer match at Nou Camp Stadium in Barcelona, Dec. 21, 2006. Barcelona was held to a 1-1 home draw by Atletico Madrid on Thursday which left it three points behind league leader Sevilla going into the two-week Christmas break. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo) |
Atletico Madrid goalkeeper Leo Franco had other ideas.
Javier Aguirre's men acquitted themselves, soaking up the pressure while restricting Barca's chances.
Indeed, they could easily have gone ahead as a result of Antonio Lopez's fierce free-kick.
Gibernau and the rest didn't have long to wait - the source, the trusty right boot of Ronaldinho in the 41st minute.
A weakened Barca though, weren't able to stamp their authority on the game.
Zambrotta, Samuel Eto'o and Lionel Messi were all injured.
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| Barcelona's player Ronaldinho celebrates the first goal against Atletico Madrid during their Spanish First Division soccer match at Nou Camp Stadium in Barcelona, Dec. 21, 2006. Barcelona was held to a 1-1 home draw by Atletico Madrid on Thursday which left it three points behind league leader Sevilla going into the two-week Christmas break. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo) |
The principal Atletico threat was expected to come from club captain Fernando Torres.
But it was the sensational 18 year-old Argentinean Sergio Leonel Aguero who put Atletico on level terms with 59 minutes gone.
Barca had a few chances to edge in front, but failed to hit the target.
It finished 1-all - Barca are in second, while Atletico are in fourth, four points behind arch-rivals Real Madrid.
Editor:Du Xiaodan
