Barcelona finished second in Spain's La Liga, behind champions Valencia, despite losing 2-1 away to Real Zaragoza on Sunday. Barca were runners-up, five points behind Valencia, but Real Madrid failed to overhaul their fierce rivals, following their 4-1 capitulation to Real Sociedad. Barcelona were looking for a strong finish to their season, particularly as rivals Real Madrid were capable of overhauling them on the final day, and finishing second behind Valencia. Barca signalled their intent from the outset and went ahead in the 10th minute. Giovanni van Bronkhorst sped down the left flank and Xavi headed down his cross for Javier Saviola to fire home from close range. But Cup winners Real Zaragoza were not to be outdone, and were also looking for a good performance in their final home game. On 42 minutes, David Generelo found some space on the left flank, before delivering a cross to the far post, where Cani was able to pull the ball down and level the scores with half-time in sight. The goal seemed to give Real Zaragoza a lift, and they came out in the second half with more purpose. Fifteen minutes into the second period they went ahead. David Villa managed to get the better of Oleguer on the left flank, and ran all the way to the byline, before pulling the ball back for Fernando Soriano to put the home side ahead. Barcelona went in search of an equaliser and would have stolen a point, but for a stout Real Zaragoza defence. First, Gabri shot just wide after he was put through on the right, before Xavi and Thiago Motta both squandered chances with the goal beckoning. Real Zaragoza were able to hold on and claim a famous victory. The win meant that they climbed to overall 12th place, whilst Barcelona finished second, five points behind Valencia and a point ahead of Deportivo la Coruna. (AP)
Zaragoza beat Barcelona 2-1
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