Barcelona break Bremen hearts (2-0)

Barcelona break Bremen hearts (2-0)

FC Barcelona's dreams of becoming the first UEFA Champions League holders to retain the trophy are still alive after they ended Werder Bremen's own hopes at Camp Nou.

Magic momentA moment of magic from Ronaldinho put the Spanish leaders on the way against their German counterparts and a quickfire second from Eidur Gudjohnsen ensured the victory. Although they eased off after a powerful first-half display, Barcelona had done enough to take second spot in Group A behind section winners Chelsea FC. Bremen, who kept going until the end, will have to content themselves with entering the UEFA Cup.

Attacking intent

Barcelona were determined from the start. Ludovic Giuly almost supplied the opener after just three minutes, but his low cross just evaded Gudjohnsen before Deco warmed Tim Wiese's gloves from distance. With the Bundesliga leaders' playing an attacking formation, Giuly revelled in the space and he went close in the ninth minute as he connected with Tim Borowski's clearing header but Wiese did well to turn away.

Ronaldinho brilliance

The Blaugrana's pressure paid off when Ronaldinho opened the scoring with an inspired free-kick on 13 minutes. Expecting a flighted effort from the edge of the area, the visitors' wall jumped in anticipation only for the Brazilian to craftily roll the ball along the floor and into the bottom corner of the net. Barça doubled the lead five minutes later as Ronaldinho's cross-field pass picked out the run of Giuly and the French winger crossed for Gudjohnsen to convert from close range.

Jensen denied

The duo combined again soon after as Giuly was picked out by Gudjohnsen, but his shot flew wide. That was followed by Daniel Jensen powering a drive that evaded Víctor Valdés but went wide of the target. Gudjohnsen was hungry for a second and in the 35th minute, following a strong 60-metre surge forward from Deco, he weaved his way past four Bremen defenders before sliding the ball against the post. From the rebound, Giuly fired wide with the goal gaping.

Klose cross

With half-time approaching, Miroslav Klose just missed out on an inviting cross that went right across the penalty area before the visitors also saw Naldo cannon a free-kick just to the right side of the post. As was to be expected, Bremen pushed forward in the second period but their early efforts could only produce an ambitious overhead kick from

Diego which drifted wide.

Wonderful passNine minutes after restart though they found an opening in the Barça defence as Klose battled his way into the area only to lift his effort to the left of the goal. The home side could have put the result beyond doubt moments later as Ronaldinho produced a wonderful reverse pass to send Gudjohnsen clear, but the forward paused allowing Naldo to track back and clear.

Chances spurned

Bremen continued to probe, but were unable to profit. In the 58th minute. Hugo Almeida’s outstretched leg met Diego’s drive, but Valdés saved. The Portuguese striker was then caught on his heels when a lofted effort from Jensen deceived Valdés and struck the junction of crossbar and post. Thomas Schaaf looked to increase his side’s attacking options as he introduced Aaron Hunt in place of Pierre Wome, but Barça held firm to finish the group stage campaign one point better off than Bremen, more than enough for a last-16 place.
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