FCBARCELONA.CAT

19.02.2010 22:43

Cup disappointment put to one side (5-4)

Cristina Collado

Barca’s futsal team put their cup disappointment behind them with a 5-4 win over third placed Lobelle on Friday to move to just 4 points behind the Galicians.

Club Director Anton Colomer presented the European Championship winning players - Javi Rodríguez, Fernandao and Cristian - with a small trophy before the game and both teams put on a real show in a tight game that was full of excitement until the very last moment.

Opening goal for Barça

Igor was first to threaten for Barca with two early efforts that brought out the best from the visitors’ keeper, whilst Pola and Leitao tested Paco Sedano before Fernando got the scoring under way on 11 minutes, firing home from a Javi Rodriguez corner.

Chico double

Aicardo tried a long range effort before the break, but Lobelle couldn’t find the net and it was Chico who made it two for Barca with a penalty two minutes before half time. However, the visitors took control of possession after the break and both Eka and Leitao looked dangerous, but the Barca defence stood firm and it was Chico who again popped up to make it three on the half hour.

At 3-0 it looked to be all over, but in a crazy last six minutes, the visitors pulled back and nearly escaped with a draw. First, Pola opened his team’s account, then almost immediately Aircardo made it two. Chico then hit a post as Barca countered, before Aicardo was again on target to draw the Galicians level.

Controversy at the end

It took a great goal from the Brazilian Fernando to give Barca the lead again, chipping over the keeper from out left and as Lobelle chose to go with a five man outfield, Chico robbed a ball and scored in an empty net for his hat trick. At 5-3 on 38 minutes, there was still drama to come as Aircardo scored from a double penalty and then with the last kick of the game their keeper Barron appeared to have made it 5.5 only for the referees to decide his effort was invalid and give the three points to Barca.