In a set play the side had practised that morning, Rafa headed home the first goal against Sporting LIsbon in the first game of the Champions League group.

Barça won that game 3-1 and that victory was the start of an unbroken ten-game winning run. It put Barça on the right track and also set the scene for the rest of the season.

Pep Guardiola started rehearsing the kind of set plays that had worked so well for Rafa in previous seasons under Rijkaard and Rafa's football just got better.

• Click Here For FC Barcelona Match Tickets

As the season progressed Rafa Marquez went from strength to strength, alternating with Puyol and Piqué in the centre of the back four, until the deadly moment arrived just as Barça were zooming into the home straight.

Rafa injured his left knee in the first leg of the Champions League semi-final against Chelsea.

The Mexican was out for the rest of the season, missing the historical Real Madrid clásico in the Bernabeu, the Athletic Bilbao Copa del Rey final and finally, the Champions League showdown against Manchester United in Rome.