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Bojan Krkic
Wonderkid: Barcelona's 17-year-old striker Bojan scores the winning goal against Schalke

Henry in line for new United battle as Barca take control

Tom Collomosse, Sports Correspondent
2 Apr 2008


Thierry Henry is set to cross swords with Manchester United again after helping to put Barcelona in the driving seat of their quarter-final tie against Schalke.

Bojan Krkic's early goal secured a 1-0 win for the Catalan giants in last night's first leg in Gelsenkirchen, leaving Henry's attacking partner Samuel Eto'o to talk up Barca's chances of reaching their second final in three years.

Eto'o said: "If we are all fit, we can get through this tie, and we can start to dream about playing in the final. We're playing quite well, and I can't understand why we are losing matches in domestic football."

With United also set to seal a last-four place after beating Roma 2-0 in Italy, Arsenal legend Henry will be eyeing the chance to put one over on Sir Alex Ferguson's team following numerous memorable battles with United during his eight years as a Gunner.

The win over Schalke eased the pressure slightly on manager Frank Rijkaard, whose position is under considerable threat as Barca's recent league form has been poor.

The 17-year-old Bojan's goal made him the second-youngest scorer in the history of the Champions League - Ghanaian Peter Ofori-Quaye still holds the record after netting for Olympiacos in 1997 - and enhanced his reputation as one of the most exciting young players in Europe.

Bojan's emergence has been timely for Barca, as Argentina star Lionel Messi and former World Player of the Year Ronaldinho remain sidelined through injury. It has been an unhappy season for Ronaldinho, who has a muscular problem, but Eto'o insisted: "I would give Ronaldinho three-quarters of my salary if it meant he could start playing for us again.

"People exaggerate things at times. We have to accept that Ronaldinho is injured, and, knowing him, I am sure that he is injured. He needs to be left in peace."

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