Bellamy and Riise goals sink Barcelona

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BARCELONA (Reuters) - Liverpool’s Craig Bellamy and John-Arne Riise put a week of controversy behind them when they grabbed the goals that earned a 2-1 comeback win over European champions Barcelona at the Nou Camp.

It was Barca’s first home defeat in Europe since April 2003 when they lost to Juventus in the quarter-finals of the Champions League and only their second loss in 20 matches in the competition in the last two seasons.

A dominant Barcelona appeared to be heading for an easy win when they took the lead in the 14th minute after Portugal midfielder Deco steered a header in at the far post after a fine cross from right back Gianluca Zambrotta.

But Wales striker Bellamy, who faces an 80,000 pounds fine for an altercation with Riise in a pre-match training camp in Portugal, equalised two minutes before the break when he powered a diving header towards Barca keeper Victor Valdes who stumbled back over his own line.

Barca continued to control the game but Riise snatched the winner 16 minutes from time when he blasted a shot high into the net after some dreadful defending by the home side.

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