FCBARCELONA.CAT

30.01.2009 11:34

Playing for a place at Mestalla

Anna Segura

FC Barcelona will play Real Mallorca in the Copa del Rey for the first time since they beat them in the final to win the trophy for the 24th time in the club’s history eleven seasons ago.

The Blaugrana will take on the Balearic outfit in the semi finals, with the first leg next week, with both clubs aiming for a place at Mestalla on May 13.

It is not often that Barça and Mallorca have been drawn together in the cup as this will be only the third tie between the teams.

First meeting

In 1965-66, FC Barcelona and Real Mallorca met for the first time in the cup, that was then known as the Copa del Generalísimo.

After losing the first leg away 2-0, Barça were able to bounce back at home and win 5-1 thanks to a brace from Montesino and one goal each from Rifé, Pereda and Zaldúa.

Winners in 97-98

Some 32 years after that first meeting, the two sides met against in the final in 1997-98, which took place in the same place that this season’s final will be played, Mestalla.

Hesp the hero

That game was decided on penalties after the score remained at 1-1 after 90 minutes and no further goals were scored in extra time. Ruud Hesp was the hero as he saved a penalty from Ezkurza and Barça won the trophy. That triumph was the Blaugrana’s 24th in the competition and made them the most successful team in its’ history.