|
|
Gaizka Mendieta: My Valencia had the measure of Barcelona
The former Spain international, who played for both clubs, has fond memories of his time at Mestalla when Los Che were more than a match for their Catalan rivals.
Feb 8, 2012 3:17:00 AM
By Mark Doyle
Gaizka Mendieta is hoping that Valencia can roll back the years when it tackles Barcelona in the second leg of the Copa del Rey semifinal tie at Camp Nou on Wednesday night.
The former Spain international represented both La Liga outfits during his playing days but he is best remembered for his exploits at Mestalla.
Indeed, Mendieta was an integral member of the Los Che lineup which made it to back-to-back Champions League finals at the turn of the millennium only to be beaten by Real Madrid in the 2000 tournament decider before losing to Bayern Munich on penalites the following year.
However, Mendieta always enjoyed playing against Barca, which it defeated on its way to its first-ever appearance in Europe's showpiece event.
"In my day it was Valencia who, somehow, had the measure of Barcelona, when we used to face them in the Champions League, La Liga and the Copa," he told Marca.
Claudio Lopez was often the match-winner when Mendieta's Valencia used to take on the Catalans and the 37-year-old Basque believes that Roberto Soldado is Los Che's modern-day equivalent "because of the goals and the performances he is producing for the club".
Mendieta, who was capped 40 times by his country, spent nine years at Mestalla before making a big-money move to Lazio in 2001, but he was loaned out to Barcelona the following year.
The former Spain international represented both La Liga outfits during his playing days but he is best remembered for his exploits at Mestalla.
Indeed, Mendieta was an integral member of the Los Che lineup which made it to back-to-back Champions League finals at the turn of the millennium only to be beaten by Real Madrid in the 2000 tournament decider before losing to Bayern Munich on penalites the following year.
However, Mendieta always enjoyed playing against Barca, which it defeated on its way to its first-ever appearance in Europe's showpiece event.
"In my day it was Valencia who, somehow, had the measure of Barcelona, when we used to face them in the Champions League, La Liga and the Copa," he told Marca.
Claudio Lopez was often the match-winner when Mendieta's Valencia used to take on the Catalans and the 37-year-old Basque believes that Roberto Soldado is Los Che's modern-day equivalent "because of the goals and the performances he is producing for the club".
Mendieta, who was capped 40 times by his country, spent nine years at Mestalla before making a big-money move to Lazio in 2001, but he was loaned out to Barcelona the following year.
Follow Goal.com on 
to get the latest soccer news directly. Check out Goal.com's 
page; be part of the best soccer fan community in the world!
to get the latest soccer news directly. Check out Goal.com's page; be part of the best soccer fan community in the world!
Inside Goal.Com
-
RIGG: Anelka struggling against the current in Shanghai
Nicolas Anelka went against the grain when he moved to Shanghai. Now he's finding that coaching and gelling tactically is like swimming against the tide.
-
ROGERS: Bradley should command a bidding war among Serie A teams
Chievo is currently shopping the American midfielder and several Italian clubs have shown interest.
-
ISOLA: Neymar-led Brazil should be considered the 2014 WC favorite
Neymar was brilliant as Brazil easily handled the United States with early World Cup preparations officially underway.
-
LATHAM: Mexico using summer friendlies to build depth
With World Cup qualifying to begin in June, Mexico is using three U.S.-hosted friendlies to build squad depth.
-
McCARTHY: Harrisburg springs its wildest Open Cup upset to date
The City Islanders fought back from three goals down with nine minutes to play and won the game on penalty kicks in a stunning game on a wild night for the U.S. Open Cup.