FCBARCELONA.CAT

29.12.2007 22:40

Bojan confirms status; Jorquera injured

Jordi Clos

Bojan Krkic scored the only goal for Catalonia in the draw with the Basque Country (1-1) in San Mamés. The down side was the injury to Albert Jorquera, who suffered a torn ligament in his right knee at the start of the game.

It was a bittersweet evening in La Catedral. It could have been so different with the festive atmosphere, a draw which would have satisfied both sides and Bojan Krkic’s goal all vindicating the match. But the serious injury to Jorquera put a damper on things. According to the Catalan Football Federation, the Barça keeper suffered a torn ligament in his right knee at the start of the game. Bojan’s goal arrived soon after, another milestone in his career, which was cancelled out in the second half by Aduriz.

Basque pressure

Catalonia, with Jorquera, Puyol, Xavi and Bojan in the starting eleven, managed to keep the early Basque onslaught at bay. The Basque side set a high tempo and put a lot of pressure on Jorquera’s goal. The game was interrupted in the 13th minute due to the serious, but accidental, injury to Jorquera, who was stretchered off. The image of the Barça keeper writhing in pain clearly affected his team mates, who almost allowed Etxeberria in to score the first goal (min 17).

Boan – Who else?

Bojan Krkic took the responsibility to turn the home attack around with a great strike. Making the most of a brilliant assist by Corominas, he got away from Lafuente to score at leisure. At 0-1 Catalonia now had their best moments. Bojan again was one step away from his second but his free kick inside the small box went out for a corner.

Aduriz equalises

After the restart it was another azulgrana, Xavi, playing the starring role. His powerful shot forced Riesgo to show his abilities. It looked like the game would be killed off but what happened instead was a Basque equaliser thanks to a magnificent counterattack started and finished by Aduriz (min 69). Soon after, manager Pere Gratacós brought on the only Barça player not yet involved: Marc Crosas.

Corominas, Mendieta and Gabilondo, with dangerous shots, could have decided the tie for either side but it stayed 1-1 despite both managers looking to win the game right up to the last second.