The side featured some of the all-time greats, including Xavi Hernández, Andrés Iniesta and Carlos Puyol, who would go on to win every major honour in the global game.
Derry were beaten 5-0 on the day but what an occasion.

. Carlos Puyol challenges Liam Coyle as Rafael Márquez looks on.
Carlos Puyol challenges Liam Coyle as Rafael Márquez looks on. Photo: Archive

. Peter 'Pizza' Hutton challenges Andrés Iniesta
Peter 'Pizza' Hutton challenges Andrés Iniesta Photo: Supplied

. Ronaldinho and Xavier Hernández meet young Derry fans.
Ronaldinho and Xavier Hernández meet young Derry fans. Photo: Supplied



. Garvan O'Doherty meets Frank Rijkaard
Garvan O'Doherty meets Frank Rijkaard Photo: Supplied

. Patrick Kluivert training alongside Luis Enrique
Patrick Kluivert training alongside Luis Enrique Photo: Supplied

. Liam Coyle is challenged by Patrick Andersson
Liam Coyle is challenged by Patrick Andersson Photo: Supplied

. Barcelona take the field at the Brandywell
Barcelona take the field at the Brandywell Photo: Hugh Gallagher

. Xavi Hernández warms up at the Brandywell
Xavi Hernández warms up at the Brandywell Photo: Supplied

. Michael Holt and Xavi Hernández in action.
Michael Holt and Xavi Hernández in action. Photo: Supplied

. Barcelona manager Frank Rijkaard relaxes at Da Vinci's Hotel. (1208JB152) (pic. Joe Boland)
Barcelona manager Frank Rijkaard relaxes at Da Vinci's Hotel. (1208JB152) (pic. Joe Boland) Photo: Joe Boland.

. Luis Enrique signs autographs at Da Vinci's. (1208JB153)
Luis Enrique signs autographs at Da Vinci's. (1208JB153) Photo: Joe Boland


. Carles Puyol in action at the Brandywell.
Carles Puyol in action at the Brandywell. Photo: Archive

. Ronaldinho leaves Mark mcCrystal in his wake as he races forward to score his side's fifth goal. (1508JB13)
Ronaldinho leaves Mark mcCrystal in his wake as he races forward to score his side's fifth goal. Photo: Joe Boland

. Derry City captain Eamon Doherty and Barcelona forward Saviola battle for possession. (1508JB14)
Derry City captain Eamon Doherty and Barcelona forward Saviola battle for possession. (1508JB14) Photo: archive

. Derry City captain Eamon Doherty and Barcelona forward Saviola battle for possession. (1508JB15)
Derry City captain Eamon Doherty and Barcelona forward Saviola battle for possession. (1508JB15) Photo: Archive


. Carles Puyol warms up at the Brandywell.
Carles Puyol warms up at the Brandywell. Photo: archive



. Barcelona manager Frank Rijkaard pictured with Spanard Juan Ramon Masolive and his Derry born son Marc as they welcomed the Barcelona team to Derry. (1208JB150)
Barcelona manager Frank Rijkaard pictured with Spanard Juan Ramon Masolive and his Derry born son Marc as they welcomed the Barcelona team to Derry. (1208JB150) Photo: archive

. Ronaldinho warms up at the Brandywell.
Ronaldinho warms up at the Brandywell. Photo: archive



. Ronaldinho during the pre-match warm up.
Ronaldinho during the pre-match warm up. Photo: archive

. Ronaldinho at the Brandywell during one of his first appearances in the blue and red of Barcelona.
Ronaldinho at the Brandywell during one of his first appearances in the blue and red of Barcelona. Photo: archive





. John Hume, MEP, presenting Derry & District under 12 captain Sean Devlin with the trophy his side won in the pre Barcelona game against an FAI selection. Included in Derry city chairman Jim Roddy. (1508JB16)
John Hume, MEP, presenting Derry & District under 12 captain Sean Devlin with the trophy his side won in the pre Barcelona game against an FAI selection. Included in Derry city chairman Jim Roddy. (1508JB16) Photo: archive






1. Peter 'Pizza' Hutton challenges Andrés Iniesta
Peter 'Pizza' Hutton challenges Andrés Iniesta Photo: Supplied

2. Ronaldinho and Xavier Hernández meet young Derry fans.
Ronaldinho and Xavier Hernández meet young Derry fans. Photo: Supplied

