FC Barcelona were held to a 0-0 draw with RSC Anderlecht this evening at the Constant Vanden Stock stadium in Group 1.
In front of 5,000 fans, Barcelona played some impressive football, keeping the ball for large periods of the game but were kept out by some resolute defending from the home side. Anderlecht were happy for the Catalans to have possesion, and attack quickly on the counter attack. Barcelona centre-back Robert Costa was red-carded on seventy-five minutes for a dangerous tackle but the Belgians were unable to take advantage of the man extra to take the three points.
The draw means Barcelona extend their lead at the top of Group 1 to five points over Tottenham Hotspur who have played two games less than the Catalans. Anderlecht remain rooted to the bottom of Group 1 without a win in the competition.
The full time scores, and scorers, for the opening games were:
RSC Anderlecht 0 vs. FC Barcelona 0 (Red Card - Robert 75')