25.03.2009 20:02
Edging towards the play-offs (3-0)
Jesús Carrillo
Barça Atlètic has beaten local rivals Terrassa 3-0 in the Miniestadi in the 31st round of the Second Division league championship. The team coached by Luis Enrique is in fifth place in the table level on points with Sant Andreu.
The match was decided in a spectacular first half with goals from Pedro in the 18th minute and
Jeffren, from the penalty spot, in the 28th.
The third goal – a footballing work of art signed by Víctor Sánchez - came in the last
minute of the match.
Two penalties in seven minutes
The first signs of danger from the home team ended in a great goal by
Pedro, who fired in a precise left footed shot from the right side of the pitch. Then, in the 21st
minute, the referee gave a penalty to Terrassa but the visiting forward wasted the opportunity and
sent the ball over the bar. A few moments later, Barça Atlètic was in turn awarded a penalty and
Jeffren sent the keeper the wrong way and buried the ball in the net (2-0).
Forced substitution
Earlier, in the16th minute, Luis Enrique was forced to take off his captain after an
accidental collision between Córcoles and Botía left the former with a bleeding eyebrow. Tiago came
on and Abraham took over at right back.
Apart from the two Barça goals, Terrassa also had a couple of good chances but failed to take
them.
Barça keeps up the pressure
Barça Atlètic kept their shape and concentration well in the second half
and kept possession while threatening down the wings. Terrassa posed no danger and in the 26th
minute a heavy tackle by Tomillo on Pedro Rodríguez resulted in the Terrassa defender being sent
off.
Víctor Sánchez hits a third
The likelihood of a comeback from ten-man Terrassa was slight and Barça Atlètic killed off
the match with a wonderful goal from Víctor Sánchez, one of the best seen in the Miniestadi this
year, late in the second half.
Guardiola looking on
First team coach Josep Guardiola, accompanied by ‘Tito' Vilanova and Juan Carlos Unzué,
took advantage of the international break and were in the Miniestadi to watch the young hopefuls of
Barça Atlètic. Sylvinho and his children were also in the stands.
MATCH STATS
Barça Atlètic, 3
Terrassa, 0
FC Barcelona Atlètic: Miño; Córcoles (Tiago), Botia, Fontàs, López; Víctor
Sánchez, Abraham, Longás; Jeffren, Benja (Maric) and Pedro (Nolito).
Terrassa: Relaño; Sierra, Toribio, Blas, Boniquet; Julio de Dios, Carroza,
Tomillo; José Ramírez, Jordi Martínez and Peque.
Goals:
1-0, Pedro (min. 18)
2-0 Jeffren (min. 28, pen)
3-0 Víctor Sánchez (min. 89)
Referee: Juan García Cabrera