First Team
Match Report | Rangers 1-1 Dundee United
23rd November 2024
United manger Craig Levein had an almost full squad to pick from and started with what will perhaps be his first choice back four, with Lee Wilkie and new signing Darren Dods at centre back in front of new goalkeeper Grzegorz Szamotulski. Captained by Barry Robson, United started with a five-man midfield, with on-loan Irishman Willo Flood supporting lone striker Noel Hunt.
Despite a notable list of absentees, which included Lionel Messi, Barca coach Frank Rijkaard still managed field a side of world beaters, with Ronaldinho and Samuel Eto'o spearheading the Catalan attack, while Thierry Henry had to settle for a place on the bench.
United started the match brightly and almost raced into an early lead when a cross from the right found Craig Conway at the backpost, but he volleyed wide. Then on seven minutes Lee Wilkie burst forward, played a one-two with Noel Hunt and raced clear with just the keeper Victor Valdes to beat. But a heavy touch meant Valdes was able to block Wilkie's effort on goal.
Barcelona then started to take control. With a quarter of an hour gone, a one-two on the right with Eto'o left Ezquerro in space in the box but he put his attempt over the bar. Ronaldinho was also beginning to show what we know he can do. Cutting inside from the left he was brought down on the edge of the box. As the East Stand watched with baited breath, the two-time World Footballer of the Year curled his freekick off the post.
Five minutes before half-time, Eto'o beat the offside trap but by the time he cut inside the opportunity was lost. And just before half-time Barca broke clear again when a long ball from the back was flicked on by Ronaldinho for Eto'o who rounded the keeper. But just when it seemed United's resistance had been broken, Szamotulski managed to get back and beat the shot past the post.
First Half Summary:
United started well and could have taken the lead with two great opportunities. Barca began to show their class but the United back four managed to keep them at bay with some good last ditch defending.
In the second half, the Catalan giants started as they ended the first. A long ball from Thuram caught the United defence cold and Henry, who had come on for Ronaldinho, fired a shot just past the post.
On 75 minutes Barca sub Bojan beat the offside trap to face the United keeper one-on-one. However, Szamotulski managed to smother his attempt. Then on the counter United broke forward and a cross from sub Steven Robb found Robson in the centre to head beyond sub keeper Jorquera. But United's celebrations were cut short as the skipper was adjudged to have fouled the defender.
Then in the 88th minute, a foul in the box by Dods on the impressive sub Giovani gave Barca the chance to win it. Thierry Henry stepped up but his shot was brilliantly saved by Szamotulski, diving to his right. However, Henry pounced on the rebound to put Barca one-nil up.
United almost snatched a draw when a free kick from Robson found Wilkie at the backpost, but his goal-bound header was cleared off the line by Oleguer. And with that, United's hopes maintaining their unbeaten record against Barca were dashed.
Full Time Summary:
Barcelona dominated much of the second half, but United boss Levein would have been pleased with his side's effort. The United fans however will feel their team were unlucky not to get a draw.
Teams:
Dundee Utd: Szamotulski, Dillon, Wilkie, Dods, Kalvenes; Flood (Bauben 67), Kerr, Robson, Gomis (Robertson 72), Conway (Robb 60); Hunt. Subs not used: McLean, Duff, Proctor, Kenneth, Goodwillie, Russell.
Barcelona: Valdes (Jorqeura 46), Zambrotta (Belletti 46), Thuram, Oleguer, Sylvinho (Abidal 46); Xavi (Deco 46), Iniesta (Crosas 76), Toure (Motta 65); Ezquerro (Bojan 46), Eto'o (Henry 46), Ronaldinho (Giovanni 46). Subs not used: Valiente, Maxi, Dimas, Olmo.
Referee: Craig Thomson
Click here for the full report by Baktosch Gillan.
Despite a notable list of absentees, which included Lionel Messi, Barca coach Frank Rijkaard still managed field a side of world beaters, with Ronaldinho and Samuel Eto'o spearheading the Catalan attack, while Thierry Henry had to settle for a place on the bench.
United started the match brightly and almost raced into an early lead when a cross from the right found Craig Conway at the backpost, but he volleyed wide. Then on seven minutes Lee Wilkie burst forward, played a one-two with Noel Hunt and raced clear with just the keeper Victor Valdes to beat. But a heavy touch meant Valdes was able to block Wilkie's effort on goal.
Barcelona then started to take control. With a quarter of an hour gone, a one-two on the right with Eto'o left Ezquerro in space in the box but he put his attempt over the bar. Ronaldinho was also beginning to show what we know he can do. Cutting inside from the left he was brought down on the edge of the box. As the East Stand watched with baited breath, the two-time World Footballer of the Year curled his freekick off the post.
Five minutes before half-time, Eto'o beat the offside trap but by the time he cut inside the opportunity was lost. And just before half-time Barca broke clear again when a long ball from the back was flicked on by Ronaldinho for Eto'o who rounded the keeper. But just when it seemed United's resistance had been broken, Szamotulski managed to get back and beat the shot past the post.
First Half Summary:
United started well and could have taken the lead with two great opportunities. Barca began to show their class but the United back four managed to keep them at bay with some good last ditch defending.
In the second half, the Catalan giants started as they ended the first. A long ball from Thuram caught the United defence cold and Henry, who had come on for Ronaldinho, fired a shot just past the post.
On 75 minutes Barca sub Bojan beat the offside trap to face the United keeper one-on-one. However, Szamotulski managed to smother his attempt. Then on the counter United broke forward and a cross from sub Steven Robb found Robson in the centre to head beyond sub keeper Jorquera. But United's celebrations were cut short as the skipper was adjudged to have fouled the defender.
Then in the 88th minute, a foul in the box by Dods on the impressive sub Giovani gave Barca the chance to win it. Thierry Henry stepped up but his shot was brilliantly saved by Szamotulski, diving to his right. However, Henry pounced on the rebound to put Barca one-nil up.
United almost snatched a draw when a free kick from Robson found Wilkie at the backpost, but his goal-bound header was cleared off the line by Oleguer. And with that, United's hopes maintaining their unbeaten record against Barca were dashed.
Full Time Summary:
Barcelona dominated much of the second half, but United boss Levein would have been pleased with his side's effort. The United fans however will feel their team were unlucky not to get a draw.
Teams:
Dundee Utd: Szamotulski, Dillon, Wilkie, Dods, Kalvenes; Flood (Bauben 67), Kerr, Robson, Gomis (Robertson 72), Conway (Robb 60); Hunt. Subs not used: McLean, Duff, Proctor, Kenneth, Goodwillie, Russell.
Barcelona: Valdes (Jorqeura 46), Zambrotta (Belletti 46), Thuram, Oleguer, Sylvinho (Abidal 46); Xavi (Deco 46), Iniesta (Crosas 76), Toure (Motta 65); Ezquerro (Bojan 46), Eto'o (Henry 46), Ronaldinho (Giovanni 46). Subs not used: Valiente, Maxi, Dimas, Olmo.
Referee: Craig Thomson
Click here for the full report by Baktosch Gillan.
