FK Matador Puchov 1 - FC Barcelona 1

Puchov: Bernady; Hricko, Ovad (Brisuda 79'), Cvirik, Holcik; Gegic, Skripec (Majernik 51'), Belak, Jambor; Breska, Nemec (Pernis 76'). 4-4-2.
Barcelona: Víctor Valdés; Puyol, Reiziger, Cocu, Van Bronckhorst; Xavi; Quaresma (Saviola 73'), Ronaldinho, Luis Enrique, Overmars; Kluivert. 4-1-4-1.

Goals:
0-1. 49. Kluivert. Ran on to Ronaldinho through ball to shoot past keeper.
1-1. 93. Jambar. Turned in low Breska cross close to goal.

Barcelona were held to a disappointing 1-1 draw at Matador Puchov, a side with no big name stars, who are struggling in their own league in Slovakia this season and whose normal ground does not even have floodlights (the game was switched to a nearby stadium as a result). Rijkaard was expected to make a few changes from his league side for this match, but in the end Rüstü, Márquez and company were once again on the bench. Cocu passed a late fitness test to make the line up, and the only changes were Quaresma for Saviola on the right wing and Overmars for Gerard, a last minute disciplinary change after Gerard was left out for using his mobile phone against club rules before kick off.

The Catalans were lucky not to go behind early on, with Breska testing Víctor Valdés and the Slovakian forwards failing to take three or four other chances. But gradually Barça took control and Kluivert in particular could have scored, having one shot turned away for a corner and getting the ball in the net later in the half only to see it ruled out for a foul. Eventually though the Dutch striker did get his first official goal of the season, running on to a loose ball to shoot strongly through the keeper's hands after Ronaldinho appeared to run it too far.

After that the Spaniards should have wrapped things up, with Bernady saving at point blank range from Ronaldinho and Luis Enrique, Kluivert, Quaresma, Ronaldinho and substitute Saviola all failing to take advantage of chances. Puchov were always looking dangerous on the breakaway though, and with virtually the last play of the match, Breska got away down the right wing and crossed in for Jambor to score past Valdés. The crowd went wild, their side had matched the Spanish giants against all expectations. Barcelona should still finish things off in the Nou Camp in three weeks time, but the local press will be sharpening their knives after this result.