Barça backing for peace match

Large support
The Spanish champions and UEFA Champions League contenders were 2-1 winners against a joint Israeli-Palestinian side in front of a 31,820 crowd. Barcelona scored two goals inside five second-half minutes through Deco and Maxi López while the visitors pulled one back through Israel's Arab winger Abbass Swan.

Puyol pride
Speaking after a game played in front of dignitaries including veteran politician Shimon Peres and actor Sir Sean Connery, Barcelona captain Carles Puyol said: "It's clearly an honour for everyone and we are happy to be able to play this match. I hope that through football we can help Israelis and Palestinians smooth things over. We all win tonight, the result isn't important."

Children to benefit
The match was aimed at building understanding and respect between Israelis and Palestinians and at contributing to the quest for Middle East peace. The Peace Team included Israeli internationals and Palestinian players. Moneys raised will be invested in projects to help children from Israel and Palestine.

Eto'o lively
In the first half, Barcelona striker Samuel Eto'o had three good efforts before being replaced after half an hour by Henrik Larsson. Israel goalkeeper Nir Davidovitch saved one Eto'o strike in the 21st minute and dived at the forward's feet to stop him three minutes later.

Brazilian brilliance
Newly crowned European Footballer of the Year Ronaldinho showed flashes of brilliance before he was substituted in the second half. The Peace Team's best first-half chance came on 15 minutes when Idan Tal went clean through, but instead of shooting he tried to square the ball to Avi Nimny and it was cleared by a Barcelona defender.

Deco opener
Both sides made sweeping changes at half-time. Deco then scored with a right-footed lob following a back-heel by López after 59 minutes. López made it 2-0 with a tap-in in the 64th from Ludovic Giuly's cross. Swan reduced the deficit three minutes later, volleying past Barça substitute keeper Rubén Martínez from close range.

Summit meeting
The match took place a day after leaders and ministers from the 25 European Union countries and ten Mediterranean partners, including Israelis and Palestinians, ended a two-day summit in the Catalan city.