FCBARCELONA.CAT

15.03.2009 13:56

Benja brace paves way to play-offs (2-0)

Edgar Fornós

Barça Atlètic have beaten Ibiza 2-0. Benja, scorer of both the Barça goals, was the star of a game that produced very little in the way of goalscoring chances.

After two away wins at Lleida and Alcoi, Luis Enrique’s side have beaten Ibiza at the Miniestadi, their third three points in a row. After a first half that was very short on action, Benja scored two beauties to continue Barça Atlètic’s good form and keep the reserve side well on course for a place in the play-off.

Dull first half

The first 45 minutes produced very little worthy of comment. Xavi Torres did try to surprise Manu, but his effort went wide, while Ibiza responded later through Olalla, who missed the target by a whisker. Shortly before the break, Pedro encroached upon the Ibiza area, but the ball was quickly cleared by the visiting defence.

Benja decides

Two delightful strikes from Benja eventually tipped the balance towards the home side. The first came after an impressive individual run in the 64th minute. That goal came on the base of speed and strength, while Benja’s second came down to shooting accuracy, a cheeky left footed lob that made it 2-0. Two minutes before the final whistle Nolito came close to scoring twice in the same move – neither effort went in, but the job had already been done. Three more points for Barça, and the play-offs are getting closer as every week goes by.