New York Red Bulls defeated by FC Barcelona 4-1 in front of sellout crowd at Giants Stadium

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. - In front of a sellout crowd of 79,002 - just three fewer than the all-time attendance record for a soccer game at Giants Stadium - a brace by two-time reigning FIFA World Player of the Year Ronaldinho and strikes by Lionel Messi and Javier Saviola lifted UEFA Champions League winner FC Barcelona past the New York Red Bulls, 4-1, Saturday night.

"It was a great opportunity for us and I thought we played well," said Red Bulls goaltender Tony Meola who made six saves in 45 minutes of action. "We held it together. [Barcelona] is probably one of the only teams in the world who can bring 10 subs off the bench and get better and better. Their biggest problem is figuring out who to play."

"I think it's particularly good for the young players," said Red Bull New York Sporting Director and head coach Bruce Arena, who was on the sideline for his first game since joining the team. "Obviously that game is a challenge for any team in the world. They are a terrific team, I think they were the best club team in the world last year and they just got better."

Midfielder Youri Djorkaeff, who made his return to the squad after missing time due to personal reasons, tallied the Red Bulls' goal in the first half after Ronaldinho opened the game's scoring.

Both teams had scoring opportunities in the first half, but arguably the best player in the world, Ronaldinho, drew first blood after New York defender Marvell Wynne took down Samuel Eto'o in the box in the 13th minute. Despite Meola getting a paw on the penalty, Ronaldinho converted, giving the La Liga champions the early lead.

However, the Red Bulls answered 15 minutes later. Dema Kovalenko stripped Ronaldinho of the ball and slid it to Edson Buddle, whose shot right of goal was deflected. An on-rushing Djorkaeff though, was there to poke it in from close range.

Barcelona started to pull away just five minutes into the second half. Messi was able to get free on the right wing and lofted a cross to Ronaldinho, who was able to tap it home. Eleven minutes later, Messi was sprung through into the penalty box by Eidur Gudjohnsen, with only Jon Conway to beat, as he dribbled past the goaltender and slid it in. Saviola closed the game's scoring just a few minutes from full time.

Still, the Red Bulls enjoyed the experience of playing against star-studded Barcelona.

"I think if we don't learn something from it, then it wasn't a productive night," Meola said. "We have to learn something from it like any other game. We're playing a game that has arguably the best players in the world and they are all in their prime. We should be proud of what we did."

The Red Bulls have a short break before taking on Eastern Conference leader, D.C. United, in Giants Stadium on Wednesday night at 7:30 p.m. The game will be televised on MSG and will mark Arena's first MLS game on the sidelines for the Red Bulls - this one coming against the former team he won two MLS Cups with in 1996 and 1997.

"Every game we play this year will be a special game because it's important for us to win and put ourselves into a position for the playoffs," Arena said. "Because I coached there previously, it's really not a factor. We measured ourselves tonight against the best club in the world and on Wednesday, against the best team in MLS."

SCORING SUMMARY:

FCB: Ronaldinho (penalty kick) 13'

NYRB: Djorkaeff (unassisted) 38'

FCB: Ronaldinho 2 (Messi) 50'

FCB: Messi (Gudjohnsen) 61'

FCB: Saviola (Messi 2) 87'

DISCIPLINE SUMMARY:

None

SUBS:

FCB (at the half):
25 Jorquera for 1 Valdes

11 Zambrotta for 26 Olmo

21 Thuram for 4 Marquez