Unrewarded superiority (0-0)

Unrewarded superiority (0-0)

Barça and Rangers played out a goalless draw at Ibrox Park. Rijkaard’s enjoyed more of the play and the most chances but were out of luck in front of goal.

Playing the ball won over the physical style employed by the Scots, but none of this was reflected on the Ibrox scoreboard. Barça ran the show in Glasgow but failed to transform any of that into goals, but did make it three Champions League games in a row without conceding a goal. This result leaves the two sides neck and neck at the top of the group with seven points each. The two clubs meet again at the Camp Nou in a fortnight’s time.

Barça impose their style

Rijkaard had already warned about the physical approach Rangers take to their game and responded with an aggressive combination style throughout the first half, which thwarted Rangers and left them with no option other than hopeful high balls into the area. For most of the game Rangers were held back in their own half, and Puyol, playing in the unfamiliar right back role, was more involved in attacking than defensive duties. The home side opted for long balls, but Milito and Thuram proved impenetrable at the heart of the Barça defence.

Ronaldinho hits the post

The Scots always looked dangerous from dead ball situations, but it was Ronaldinho who came closest to scoring early on with no fewer than three chances. The clearest came in the 23rd minute, when his effort struck the Rangers crossbar. In the 40th minute, the Brazilian and Puyol both had chances off a corner, and the ball was cleared from the six yard box by a hand in the Rangers defence, but the referee failed to spot the infringement.

All out attacks

After the restart, Barça created even more pressure on a Rangers side that rarely moved out of its own half. Gudjohnsen worked well as a defensive midfielder and also led the team’s attack as they found their way deep into the Rangers half, but rarely caused excessive danger to the well-positioned Scottish defence. In fact the clearest chance was struck by Cuéllar almost into his own net, along with a Henry header that hit the post.

Rangers wake up

Barça faced the most problems in the final quarter of the half when Rangers started playing more practical football. Playing down the wings they won a series of corners, but nothing truly managed to trouble Valdés. The game ended as it had begun, 0-0, and both sides maintain strong positions at the top of Group E.