Barcelona beat Yokohama 1-0


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2007-08-07 14:49:58

FC Barcelona´s Ronaldinho of Brazil (L) controls the ball against Japan´s Yokohama F. Marinos defender Naoki Matsuda during a friendly match in Yokohama. Spanish powerhouse Barcelona made it two wins out of two on their Asian tour as they bested Japan´s former J-League champions Yokohama 1-0 in a friendly in Tokyo.
  FC Barcelona´s Ronaldinho of Brazil (L) controls the ball against Japan´s Yokohama F. Marinos defender Naoki Matsuda during a friendly match in Yokohama. Spanish powerhouse Barcelona made it two wins out of two on their Asian tour as they bested Japan´s former J-League champions Yokohama 1-0 in a friendly in Tokyo.
YOKOHAMA, Japan (AFP) - Spanish powerhouse Barcelona made it two wins out of two on their Asian tour Tuesday with a 1-0 win over Japan's former J-League champions Yokohama in Tokyo.

Mexican striker Giovanni Dos Santos secured the win in the 75th minute, beating Yokohama keeper Tetsuya Enomoto after a pass from Cameroon's Samuel Eto'o.

The teenager had nearly put the Spanish ahead just moments before, missing a golden chance from close range.

"It was physically difficult because of a long trip and jetlag, but we overcame it. We tried to put pressure with our aggressive attackers and we won," said Barcelona coach Frank Rijkaard.

"Previously we drew with Yokohama 1-1 and 3-3. Today, my players had a strong feeling to win this time. I think we played better than we did in Beijing."

Barcelona lined up with new French striker Thierry Henry, Eto'o and Brazilian star Ronaldinho in the first 45 minutes of the friendly.

"Henry played really well with a rhythm despite a long trip. I'm very satisfied with his play," Rijkaard said.

Ronaldinho said: "It feels great to play with wonderful players like Henry and Eto'o. But all the Barcelona players are great. Hopefully, we can start the new season in style."

Man-of-the-match winner Dos Santos said: "I don't know why I won the... award ahead of Ronaldinho, Henry and Eto'o. But I was able to play well because of them. They are great players and it's difficult to catch up with their level.

"I want Barcelona to win as many titles as possible this season. I'll do my best to help the team to win. My career has just started and I believe I can do more," added Dos Santos, who also scored a goal in Beijing at the weekend.

Barcelona beat China Super League side Beijing Guoan 3-0 on Sunday to open their brief Asian swing.

They wind up the tour in Hong Kong on Friday against Mission Hills Invitation XI, made up of players from Kitchee FC and Happy Valley FC.




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