FCBARCELONA.CAT

12.12.2009 19:54

Atlante, Clubs World Cup rival

www.fcbarcelona.cat

Mexican side Atlante qualified for the semi-finals of the Clubs World Cup after beating Auckland City 3-0. The Mexicans will now face Barça in one of the semi-finals to be played next Wednesday.

There was really only one team on the pitch at the Zayed Sports City in Abu Dhabi. Atlante were always on top of Auckland City, and they won with goals from Arreola, Bermudez and Lucas Silva. With this victory behind them, Atlante will now face Barça in one of the semi-finals of the Clubs World Cup to be played next Wednesday 16th December at 17:00.

Mexicans superior

The first half was plain sailing for the Mexicans, who constantly pressurised their opponents’ area. Auckland City hardly got a touch and never looked dangerous. Atlante used the wings a lot, trying to create shots for Rojas and Marquez. Arreola’s goal came in the 36th minute after a goal-keeping error by McGeorge.

Decisive second half

At the outset of the second half, the New Zealanders tried to change the game’s dynamics and went for goal, getting their best chance in the 62nd minute with a powerful shot from Coombes saved by Federico Vilar.

In the final quarter of the game, Atlante could have scored many more, but settled for two, first with a 68th minute goal from Bermudez. In added time, the youngster Lucas Silva made it 3-0 with a great shot.