Barcelona throw hat into Intertoto ring

FC Barcelona have confirmed that they will apply to enter this year's UEFA Intertoto Cup in an attempt to ensure they do not miss out on European football for the first time in their history.

Wretched domestic campaign
The only club on the continent never to have missed a season of European competition have had a wretched domestic campaign. They are in eighth position in the table, six points away from earning a place in the UEFA Cup and are a distant 12 behind the last UEFA Champions League berth.

Change of fortune
Only three weeks ago the Catalan club were languishing in 15th place in the league, just two points above the relegation zone. The club's domestic fortunes appear to have changed since the arrival of new coach Radomir Antic and they have claimed two convincing wins in their last two league games.

Brilliant form in Europe
In stark contrast to their problems in the Spanish league they have been in brilliant form in Europe. They put together a record 11-match winning streak in the Champions League prior to this week’s goalless draw away to Internazionale FC and need just one more point to secure their place in the last eight. If Barcelona were to go on and win the Champions League they would gain an automatic entry to next year's competition in order to defend their crown.

Disruption
The Intertoto Cup, played in the European summer, offers UEFA Cup places for three “winners” and is competed for by teams who finish outside the automatic UEFA Cup qualification places in their domestic league. If Barcelona do have to play in the competition it would also disrupt their plans for a summer tour of the United States.