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Barcelona:1 - Fenerbahce:0
Rivaldo scored a spectacular last-minute free-kick to save Barca against Fenerbahce
in the Nou Camp on Wednesday and leave the Turks without a point in Champions' League Group F. Charly Rexach's
side earned the set-piece 25-yards from goal with seconds remaining and the Brazilian had no hesitation in hammering
a shot into the top corner. His last-gasp effort could not disguise an uninspiring encounter as both sides appeared
content to use the game as a practice match. Rexach's promises that he would not use the game as a test before
the weekend clash with Real Madrid proved unfounded as the appearance of Jose Reina in goal, Patrick Kluivert on
the bench and the introduction of Alfonso and Dani contradicted his pre-match speech. Barcelona certainly had the
clearer chances against the visitors but only truly tested Rüstü Recber on three occasions. Javier Saviola
was lively up front and Geovanni was busy on the right wing. But both were guilty of terrible finishing when presented
with only the keeper to beat. The Argentine forward shot wide on four occasions and the Brazilian should have done
a lot better when Rivaldo's header found him in the clear. Rivaldo himself appeared to be planning his trip to
Brazil rather than concentrating fully on the proceedings and had several half-hearted efforts that flew wide.
Serhat Akin troubled the Barca defence on occasion, but did not really look like scoring as he was well checked
by Carles Puyol.
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