28.09.2008 19:02
Reus win World Club Championship (1-0)
Cristina Collado
A golden goal by José Luís Páez at ten seconds into extra-time won the World Club Championship for Reus Deportiu after a very even game in which Barcelona made most of the running in attack.
It had been a tough championship, with nine games in twelve days meaning Barça Sorli Discau reached
the final low on juice. Nonetheless they took the game to Reus who played more cautiously
throughout the match. A goal by ex-Barça player José Luíz Paéz in extra-time was enough to win the
Championship for the home side.
Counterattack
The early stages of the game were very even and neither side was prepared to take too many
risks in the first 20 minutes. The result was that both sides held back and tried to hit the other
on the counterattack, with Barça’s best chance coming from Sergi Panadero whose shot was
pushed away by Reus goalkeeper Guillem Trabal.
As for Reus Deportiu, its best chances fell to Caldú and then Pedro Gil who fired in a cross
shot that just missed. The home team received constant support from its fans in the Reus Olympic
Pavilion.
Pushing forward
In the second half, Barça took more risks to break the deadlock while Reus still played
cautiously. Barça skipper Alberto Borregán had some good chances to open the scoring but was denied
by the home keeper.
As Barça Sorli Discau turned the screws, Sergi Panadero got his second yellow card and was
sin-binned for two minutes. In spite of this it was Barça who continued to put on the pressure and
the last two minutes were in some ways the most exciting of the game: Jordi Garcia fired in a shot
which Aitor Egurrola did well to save, while Borregán was unable to convert a one-on-one against
Trabal.
Extra-time, sending off and golden goal
At the end of normal time the score was still nil all, so the game went to injury time. While
the clock was stopped Carlitos López complained to the referee about a decision in the game and was
promptly given a red card.
It left Barça Sorli Discau at a disadvantage in extra-time that could be won by a golden
goal. And that goal was not long in coming as José Luís Páez picked up a loose ball in the middle
of the court and fired in a cross shot past Aitor Egurrola. It was just 10 seconds into extra-time,
but it was enough for Reus Deportiu to become World Club Champions on their own court.
MATCH STATS
REUS DEPORTIU, 1
FCB SORLI DISCAU, 0
Reus Deportiu: Trabal, Caldú, Gual, J.L. Páez and Gil – first five –
Jordi Garcia, Jordi Molet, Toni Sánchez
FC Barcelona Sorli Discau: Egurrola, Panadero, Ordeig, D. Páez and Borregán
– first five – Carlitos López, Teixidó,
Goals: 1-0, J.L. Páez (40’)