When Ronaldinho moved onto another level

An impeccable season for Barcelona saw the Catalans retain their Liga title in 2005-06, blowing away the competition to finish 12 points clear of second-placed Real Madrid.

The team built by Frank Rijkaard also lifted the Champions League at the expense of Arsenal, putting in place a formidable unit that in years to come and under the tutelage of Pep Guardiola would enter the history books.

Samuel Eto’o and Ronaldinho were at the height of their powers at Camp Nou, enthralling fans and rivals alike. But many eyes had already turned to a teenage Argentine phenomenon by the name of Lionel Messi, who at just 18 carved out a spot alongside those two superstars and made the Blaugrana the most formidable attacking force on the continent.

CHANGES

Real Madrid were in turmoil. Los Blancos were going through a barren spell after a number of trophyless seasons, with the reigns of Mariano Garcia Ramon, and Jose Antonio Camacho failing to muster up as much as a cup win. Juan Roman Lopez Caro and Vanderlei Luxemburgo both gave success a go, but it was hard to come by for them too.

Sergio Ramos was acquired from Sevilla, with the Spaniard going on to become a Madrid legend and captain, while the Andalusian side was also raided for Julio Baptista. Another Brazilian was brought in by the name of Robinho. Barca were more frugal in the market and only brought in Mark van Bommel of note, but this would be when Lionel Messi would feature more often.

Atletico Madrid were making waves too and finalised deals for the likes of Martin Petrov and Maxi Rodriguez, but arguably the best business of the window was by Sevilla, who signed Luis Fabiano and Fredy Kanoute. Cadiz, Celta Vigo, and Alaves joined the big boys from the Segunda.

SUMMARY

Having lifted the league title in 2004-05 to break a six-year drought, Rijkaard spent sparingly in his third season at the club alongside president Joan Laporta. Compatriot Van Bommel and journeyman striker Santiago Ezquerro were the only acquisitions made,…

Source link : https://www.footballcritic.com/season-reviews/when-ronaldinho-moved-onto-another-level-la-liga-in-2005-06/79

Author : [email protected] (Dan Edwards)

Publish date : 2024-07-25 12:00:00

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