FCBARCELONA.CAT

07.01.2010 19:30

Barça out of futsal final (6-4)

Cristina Collado (Enviada especial)

FC Barcelona have lost the Spanish Futsal Super Cup semi final 6-4 to ElPozo Múrcia. In a tight match, Barça went out to a team that dominated from the start.

FC Barcelona’s first ever participation in this competition has ended in disappointment against League champions ElPozo Múrcia.

Two goals in two minutes

Things got off to a thrilling start when ElPozo went ahead after just 36 seconds. The side’s target man Vinicius beat Paco Sedano with their first attempt on goal, but just a minute later and Barça had equalised through Fernandao.

The zany early exchange over, Barça then dominated possession for a period, and were also solid at the back with Paco neutralising a clear chance for top scorer Wilde. But then they went behind again from a dead-ball situation converted by Vinicius. From then on the League champions took command, causing all kinds of problems at the back for FCB.

Chances flow

As the half drew on, Barça found new life. First it was Ari Santos who missed by inches, and then Fernandao broke free on his own, only to be thwarted by international keeper Juanjo. The same man was almost on target seconds later, but Juanjo again got the better of him, as he did with Santos moments later.

The goals started coming again as the half was about to end. Saúl scored his side’s third with a tremendous individual effort, and then Barça responded immediately with a Saad Assis corner that was turned home by captain Javi Rodríguez, who then almost equalised from a double penalty, which was stopped by the keeper, meaning it was 3-2 at the break.

Bad start… and bad end

The second half started dreadfully for Barça, when Duda put his side further ahead through Wilde four minutes after the restart. ElPozo then closed up shop to leave FC Barcelona struggling to find space, and even scored their fifth, once again through Wilde on a counter attack.

Marc Carmona opted to respond by playing a rush goalie, Javi, for the last six minutes or so. The plan worked at first, because Igor soon closed the gap to 3-5. But playing with no keeper is always a risk and a shot from the half way line by Vinicius but El Pozo three ahead once again. Not that Barça gave up, and a goal from Saad Assis at least meant there was a glimmer of hope. But that was all it was, a glimmer, for time was running out, and FC Barcelona went out of the Super Cup. ElPozo now go on to face either Inter Movistar or Xacobeo 2010 Lobelle in the final.