/ 29 May 2005

FC Barcelona draw in relaxed display

Spanish champion FC Barcelona drew 0-0 with Real Sociedad on Saturday in their final league match of the season.

Barcelona, who lacked five of their title-winning team, including Ronaldinho and Deco, gave a relaxed display at Sociedad’s Anoeta stadium. The champions were applauded by their opponents before the match.

Barcelona striker Samuel Eto’o had four goal-scoring opportunities, however, twice hitting the side netting and twice being saved by Sociedad goalkeeper Asier del Riesgo.

Defender Oleguer Presas nearly gave Sociedad the lead in the 15th minute when he headed the ball off his own bar.

Barcelona (25-9-4) finished their season with 84 points. Real Madrid, who visited Zaragoza later on Saturday, have 77 points.

Spain’s other two places in next season’s Champions League will be decided on Sunday, as will the Uefa Cup berths.

Villarreal and Betis will join Barcelona and Madrid in the Champions League if they win their final matches. Villarreal face Levante and Betis play Mallorca.

If they don’t win, Sevilla and Espanyol could secure spots instead. Sevilla will play Malaga and Espanyol take on Athletic Bilbao.

Levante and Mallorca will be battling to avoid the final relegation place. Numancia and Albacete have already been relegated.

Sunday’s other games are: Racing Santander vs Albacete; Atletico Madrid vs Getafe; and Numancia vs. Deportivo la Coruna. — Sapa-AP