Ronaldo, Guardiola, Figo: When Barcelona played Brazil in 1999

Barcelona v Brazil. One of the most decorated club sides ever squaring off with the most successful nation in World Cup history.

It feels like the sort of clash that could only take place in a dream. However, in one of the strangest friendly matches on record, the two teams did take each other on back in April 1999.

As part of celebrations to mark Barcelona’s centenary, the Selecao travelled to Camp Nou to play a one-off exhibition fixture.

While the stakes attached to the match were relatively low, both line-ups were star-studded.

Then-Barcelona boss Louis van Gaal fielded the likes of Luis Figo, Pep Guardiola, Bolo Zenden, Luis Enrique and Patrick Kluivert. There was even a spot on the bench for a young Xavi Hernandez.

In the opposing half, Brazil boasted former Barca favourites Ronaldo Nazario and Romario, alongside Real Madrid left-back Roberto Carlos.

Rivaldo, a Barcelona player at the time, also ended up representing his country. According to a match report from Barca Blaugranes, though, the forward would have been equally as happy playing in his club colours.

A capacity crowd turned out on a rainy evening in Catalonia. They more than got their money’s worth on the night.

Ronaldo, who scored 47 goals in 49 appearances for Barcelona during his sole season at the club, opened the scoring on his return to Camp Nou.

The Inter Milan striker was clearly loving being back too, beaming as he wheeled away in celebration after rounding Barca ‘keeper Ruud Hesp to find the net with half an hour gone.

The ultimate Ronaldo Nazario quiz: How much do you know about the Brazilian legend?

The home side were level just minutes later, after Luis Enrique capitalised on an error from Brazil shot-stopper Rogerio Ceni.

Rivaldo then gave