FCBARCELONA.CAT

16.01.2008 22:51

Villarreal, next up in the Cup

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FC Barcelona will face Villarreal in the quarter final of the King’s Cup after the ‘yellow submarine’ beat Recreativo de Huelva 2-0. A very evenly-matched tie was only decided in extra time.

After knocking out the current holders of the King’s Cup, Barça will be facing more tough opponents in the quarter finals when they take on Villarreal. Pellegrini’s side had problems in getting past Recreativo and a goal by Rossi on the counterattack in extra time was needed to settle the tie.

All square after 180 minutes

Villarreal held a 1-0 advantage over Recreativo after 90 minutes of normal time in Valencia, Marcos Senna turning in a good cross from Nihat in the 10th minute to leave the tie all square after Recreativo had won the first leg 1-0 with a goal by Cáceres.

Just like in that first leg, the game was pretty even. Villarreal made most of the running but both sides had chances, with the best ones for the visitors falling to Camuñas. For the home team Nihat continued to show that he is in really good form and was the liveliest member of the Villarreal attack.

Electrifying extra time

What proved to be the winner came in the 11th minute of extra time after Godín led a quick Villarreal break from deep and Rossi fired home just inside the post.

Pires then won a penalty in the second half which looked as though it would finish the game off, but Barbosa did well to save Rossi’s strike and keep Recreativo in the game until the last minute. With just seconds to go a fine effort by Cáceres might have knocked Villarreal out but his shot hit the woodwork.