FCBARCELONA.CAT

24.10.2007 23:09

Borregán hands Barça the title (2-1)

Carles Cascante

A last gasp goal by FC Barcelona Sorli Discau captain Borregán and an excellent performance by goalkeeper Egurrola were just enough to clinch the Spanish Super Cup 5-4 on aggregate against Alnimar Reus.

Reus dominated from start to finish but the Barça players were content to sit back and protect their lead from the first leg – the usual passing and possession style was nowhere to be seen tonight. Reus stars Pedro Gil, Marc Gual and Jordi Molet proved to be a nightmare for the Barça defence but some great saves by Egurrola neutralised the danger. Reus equalised on aggregate thanks to goals from Páez and Gual but Borregán scored with just two minutes to go to hand his team yet another title. Former Reus star Lluís Teixidó was greeted by the local fans with applause.

Reus in charge

Reus knew they had to win the game and the fact is they enjoyed plenty of chances but Barça goalkeeper Egurrola blocked everything they could throw at him. The first chance for the local team came when Jordi Garcia hit the post in the 10th minute. Seven minutes later Egurrola saved a double effort from Molet and Vado.

However, in the 23rd minute, former Barça player José Luis Páez put Reus one up with a strong shot from the right of the attack. The players went in at the break with the aggregate score still in Barça’s favour (4-3).

More of the same

The game followed the same pattern in the opening minutes of the second half, with Reus pushing hard for a second and Barça waiting for a chance to counterattack. David Páez, Carlitos López and Toni Sánchez all tested Egurrola, who showed just why he’s the best on the planet.

However, the second goal had to come for Reus and finally it was Marc Gual who beat Egurrola in the 42nd minute.

Tactical switch bears fruit

With Barça trailing on the night by 2-0, the coaches decided to pull the front man – sometimes Carlitos and sometimes David Páez – further back to create more danger on the counterattack. The plan worked and Reus goalkeeper Trabal had to be alert to save from Teixidó and David Páez.

Just when it seemed that Barça could get back into the game, the referee awarded a penalty to Reus, with just less than four minutes on the clock. However, Marc Gual missed his chance and a minute later Borregán made it 2-1. Nerves and some hard play dominated the final two or three minutes and Carlitos López was sent off for a double yellow card. However, Barça came away on the night with the Spanish Super Cup.