FCBARCELONA.CAT

03.05.2009 14:51

Barça Atlètic win with nine

www.fcbarcelona.cat

Barça Atlètic took another stride towards promotion to la Segunda A with a hard-earned victory against Sabadell in the Mini Estadi on Sunday afternoon thanks to a brace from Pedro.

The Blaugrana B side are now just two points behind fourth-placed Sant Andreu after they bounced back from going behind early on and then seeing two players sent off soon after the break to leave them playing with nine for over half an hour.

Early penalty

In the third minute Barça were on the back foot when the referee judged that Córcoles had fouled Joel in the area and Roberto stepped forward to put the visitors ahead to put Sabadell into the lead from 12 yards.

Pedro levels

The hosts did bounce back and press forward, but it was not until ten minutes before half-time. Pedro rose to meet a cross from the ever-impressive Gai on the left flank and nod home to level matters.

Red cards

Gai ad Longás went close to putting Barça ahead before the game was changed by the matchday official again as Córcoles was shown a second yellow card and he joined Abraham for an early bath after he had been sent off shortly before for protesting.

Late winner

It was an incredible turn of events, but did not effect the home team’s desire and drive and in injury time Pedro popped up to net a valuable winner and sent the crowd into raptures.

In the stand were sporting vice-president Rafael Yuste, technical secretary, Txiki Begiristain, Barça Atlètic chief Jacint Boràs and the head of the football youth set-up, José Ramón Alexanco.

Benidorm will be decisive

With only one game of the season remaining, Barça Atlètic have one more chance to try and finish in fourth place. Sant Andreu meet Villarreal B, the group leaders, while the Blaugrana take on Benidorm.