On this day in 2003, Ronaldinho announced himself at the Camp Nou with a stunning first official goal for Barcelona against Sevilla.
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The unusual LaLiga fixture kicked off at 12:05am on 3 September, with Barcelona scheduling the match after midnight so Ronaldinho could feature before joining the Brazil national team. Around 80,000 supporters attended the game.
Ronaldinho had already made his league debut for the club four days earlier, featuring in a 1-0 victory away to Athletic Bilbao. The Sevilla encounter was his first LaLiga appearance at the Camp Nou.
Sevilla took the lead in the 10th minute when José Antonio Reyes converted from the penalty spot, leaving Frank Rijkaard’s side trailing at half-time.
Ronaldinho responded in the 58th minute with the moment that would define the night. The Brazilian drove forward from the left, beat two opponents and unleashed a powerful long-range strike that went in off the underside of the crossbar.
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It was his first goal in an official match for Barcelona, although the hosts were unable to find a winner as the contest finished 1-1.
The strike proved an early glimpse of what Ronaldinho would bring to the club. He spent five seasons at Barcelona, winning two LaLiga titles and the Champions League, while also claiming the 2005 Ballon d’Or.
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Photo: Bagu Blanco/Getty Images
