Futsal

09.04.2011 19:33

Barça Alusport win again in Segovia (3-2)

www.fcbarcelona.cat

Barça Alusport took the 3 points against Caja Segovia, in a pretty poor match. Barça took full advantage of their goal scoring knack, to finally decide the match in their favour.

MATCH STATS

CAJA SEGOVIA, 2
FCB ALUSPORT, 3

Caja Segovia (0 +2): Cidao, Tobe, Geison, Sergio Lozano (1), Esquerdinha (1) - starting five - Antoñito, Borja, David

FC Barcelona Alusport (1 +2): Cristian, Chico, Lin, Igor, Saad (1) - starting five - Ari Santos (1), Carlos Munoz, Fernandao, Wilde (1)

Goals: 0-1, Wilde, min. 17; 1-1, Sergio Lozano, min. 32; 1-2, Ari Santos, min. 33; 2-2, Esquerdinha, min. 36; 2-3, Saad, min. 37

Referees: Cuesta Sánchez and García Morón

Marc Carmona and his players have now put the pressure on ElPozo. The Murcia team, who play on Sunday, must now win to keep up the fight for the title , with only 3 match-days remaining, not counting this one, in the regular season.

Barça Alusport came away victors from a tough, but fairly dull, match. At a venue with lots of good memories for Barcelona - the Pedro Delgado Pavilion is where they won the Spanish Cup - the five-a-side team was made to suffer for their win, but it was always going to be the case. They were also without Javi Rodriguez, who remained in Barcelona with a slight injury.

Wilde put them on the right track

Although the game lacked tension, and Barça started erratically and a bit cold, they took the lead before the break, when a great diagonal pass from Ari Santos found Wilde, who made no mistake.

The 1-0 lead helped to calm things down for Barça, although after the restart there was still something missing.

The away team’s game remained a bit static and Jesus Velasco’s side equalised through Sergio Lozano, on loan from Barça, but the 1-1 lasted a very short time, as Ari Santos put Barça 2-1 up within seconds.

In a very tight game, Esquerdinha scored an equaliser, but Saad beat goalkeeper Cidao to make the final score 3-2 in favour of Barça.

Critical Analysis

For the Barça coach "the best thing was the result". Carmona acknowledged that the team hadn’t played well and would need to analyse it to find the reasons why, because "I don’t have any explanation at the moment. "It seemed like we had the game under control, but that wasn’t entirely true and we got a bit anxious”, he said, but he also recognised the fact that their suffering was minimised because as soon as Caja Segovia scored, his team responded.

Futsal

30.03.2011 22:27

Through to the final with another big win (6-1)

Llorenç Tarrés

Barça Alusport duly defeated Lugo in the second leg of the Spanish Cup semi final to make the Final in Toledo with a comfortable, serious performance.

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STATS

FC BARCELONA ALUSPORT, 6
AZKAR LUGO, 1

FC Barcelona Alusport (2+4): Paco Sedano (1), Chico, Javi Rodríguez, Saad (1), Wilde –starting five-, Jordi Torras, Ari Santos (2), Carlos (1), Igor, Sepe, Eric Martel and Cristian (keeper).

Azkar Lugo (0+1): Óscar, Adri, Rafa López, Matamoros (1), Miguel –starting five-, Guerra, Hugo, Genaro, Iago Míguez, Antonio and Mendiola (keeper).

Goals: 1-0, Paco Sedano (14’); 2-0, Carlos (18’); 3-0, Saad (24’); 4-0, Hugo(o.g.)(27’); 5-0, Ari Santos (32’); 5-1, Matamoros (34’); 6-1, Ari Santos (34’);

Referees: Alonso Montesinos and Rubio Fajardo. Yellow cards for Lugo players Óscar and Matamoros.

Venue: Palau Blaugrana.

Although they had virtually won the tie with their victory in the first leg, Barça didn’t relax for this game and coach Marc Carmona showed his intentions by sending out his best team, with Chico, Javi Rodríguez, Wilde and Saad joined by Paco Sedano who returned to the starting line up.

The players were determined to put on a show for the fans and Azkar were also keen to entertain, in contrast with their ultra defensive strategy when they came to the Palau in the league: that may have worked quite well then, but their performance this time round was much more entertaining to watch.

The chances came from the start and Javi Rodriguez had a great opportunity to put the hosts one up when Igor set him up at the far post, but he shot high and wide. Soon after Javi again found himself in a good position, but he chose to pass to Wilde, whose shot was stopped by the Lugo keeper Oscar.

Santos returns and Paco Sedano scores!

There was never really any doubt about who would get through to the final and Carmona took the chance to give youngster Sepe a good run out, as well as bringing on Ari Santos for his first game in six months, but whilst all eyes were on the Brazilian, it was keeper Paco Sedano who opened the scoring with a lob over the advanced Lugo keeper Oscar.

That put an end to any slight hope the visitors might have had and just before the break, Carlos made it two after good work from Sepe.

Azkar took advantage of a certain relaxation from Barça after the break and began to pose something of a threat, but Wilde was having none of it and after just missing out with a double occasion, he set up Saad to score after Oscar had parried his shot.

Èric Martel impresses and Ari is on target again

A minute later, youngster Eric Martel, who caused a lot of problems for the visitors and saw a chance come back off the post late on, won a penalty, but Javi Rodríguez then missed from the spot. Martel was also involved in the fourth, as his cross was turned into his own net by Lugo’s Hugo. Javi’s bad luck in front of goal continued when he saw a nice chip come back off the bar, but Ari Santos marked his return with two late penalty goals, whilst Matamoros scored a consolation goal for the Galicians.

This was a clinical demolition in the end and Barça now go to the final in Toledo to look for their second title .

Football

27.03.2011 21:19

Barça Alusport back on top (4-4)

Llorenç Tarrés

Despite drawing at Reale Cartagena, Carmona’s side have returned to the first place they lost to El Pozo a fortnight ago. They came back from 3-1 down to lead before conceding a late equaliser.

Match stats

REALE CARTAGENA, 4
FC BARCELONA ALUSPORT, 4

Reale Cartagena (1+3): Fabio, Fabián, Messias, Yoni (1), Beto (2) –starting five-, Bebe, Cobeta, Pizarro, Carrasco (1).

FC Barcelona Alusport (1+3): Cristian, Chico, Igor, Saad, Wilde (2) - starting five -, Carlos, Jordi Torras (1), Javi Rodríguez, Fernandão, Sepe i Paco Sedano.

Goals: 1-0, Beto (2'); 1-1, Wilde (9'); 2-1, Yoni (29'); 3-1, Carrasco (29'); 3-2, Jordi Torras (32'); 3-3, Saad (37'); 3-4, Wilde (40'); 4-4, Beto (40').

Referees: Cordero Gallardo and Linares López. Yellows for home side Fabián, Cobeta, Beto and Pizarro and for FCB’s Cristian, Chico and Igor.

The Wsell de Guimbarda witnessed a gripping encounter involving two teams desperate for points. It was 1-1 at half time, and then Cartagena looked to have settled things with two goals in a minute. But Barça managed to turn the whole game around before Beto snatched an equaliser eleven seconds from the end.

Early Reale goals

The Murcians struck first through Beto after just two minutes, and what followed was some intense play, with chances falling to both sides. FCB’s Wilde was next to score and for the most of the half it was one-way traffic, with Igor, Javi Rodríguez and Wilde all coming close before Jordi Torras hit the post. But a late flurry from the home side led to Barça keeper Cristian producing some stunning saves to keep things level at the break.

Minute of pain

It was just as gripping after the restart, with both sides waiting for the other to make a mistake. And it was Barça Alusport that were guilty in that department. A Carrasco counter was completed by Yoni to make it 2-1. And directly from the restart, Carrasco produced a splendid volley to make it 3-1.

It was Cartagena’s game to lose. But then Torras pulled it back to 3-2. The last four minutes were extraordinary. Carmona opted for a rush goalie and it paid off. Saad produced an equaliser and then Wilde grabbed what looked like the winner. But with seconds remaining, Cristian failed to hold on to a ball, and Beto was there to convert a sensational equaliser.

Futsal

19.03.2011 14:00

Prestigious Victoria (5-3)

Llorenç Tarrés

Barca Alusport deservedly beat Inter Movistar in an intense match with a second half full of goals. The players recovered their best football against a great rival.

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MATCH STATS

FC BARCELONA ALUSPORT, 5
INTER MOVISTAR, 3

FC Barcelona Alusport (1 +4): Cristian, Igor (1), Chico (2), Saad, Wilde –starting five – Javi Rodríguez, Jordi Torras, Carlos, Fernandão (2), Sepe, Ari Santos i Paco Sedano (sg).

Inter Movistar (1+2): Juanjo, Betão (1), Ortiz, Gabriel (1), César –cinc inicial–, Borja, Marquinho, Ciço, Hugo, Juanra (1), Iván i Luis Amado.

Goals: 1-0, Igor, min 4; 1-1, Betão, min 17; 2-1, Fernandão, min 24; 3-1, Chico, min 30, 4-1, Fernandão, min 32, 4-2, Gabriel, min 34; 5-2, Chico, min 35; 5-3, Juanra, min 37.

Referees: Fortes Pardo and Martinez Flores. Yellow cards for Juanra and Gabriel.

Venue: Palau Blaugrana. 3,264 spectators.

Prior to the game there were some emotional moments, first the dedication from the team to FC Barcelona's Eric Abidal, then the tunnel the Barça players formed for Inter Movistar as recent winners of the Intercontintental Cup, and finally. the minutes silence in memory of victims of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan, a country where Barça has a large number of fans.

However, when the game got under way, both teams put aside their emotions and gave everybody an intense match that, hopefully, might be repeated in the play-offs. Despite the late withdrawal of Lin, Carmona’s team deserved the win, but they had to work very hard for it.

Chances for both sides

A splendid, but unlucky Saad, had the first chances with 3 trademark shots that had Juanjo in trouble, although the visitors also had their chances through Gabriel and the stocky Betão, which were well dealt with by Cristian. A promising start culminated in the first goal, by Igor, who finished well after Juanjo had blocked a Wilde effort.

The game was very lively, with chances on both sides. The danger is constant against Inter, with players in their side like Betão, Marquinho, and Gabriel, and the something different that Borja brings to the game, but Barca Alusport, unlike other seasons, has no reason to envy the green machine.

After several minutes of uncertainty, and the game at a stalemate, another spark lit up the match. Igor and Wilde swapped roles to create an excellent chance, with an even better response from Juanjo. Just after that, the referees failed to see a clear hand-ball in the Inter area, and with the protests still going on, a wonderful piece of skill from Betão brought a free-kick that Ciço smacked against the bar.

Unlucky equaliser

The equalising goal came after a stroke of bad luck for Barça. Once again Betão created some space for himself and his shot took various rebounds, confusing Cristian. The Inter goalkeeper made a sensational double save from Marquinho and Gabriel, who then struck the post. Inter finished the stronger in the first half and Barça Alusport, were grateful for the few minutes rest

After the restart Barça took control of the match again, but were aware of the constant threat from Betão. Barça finally got their just reward with a great well-placed shot from Fernandão, putting them 2-1 ahead.

The ever lively Betão let Barça off the hook, missing a great chance, but the next goal was scored by the team who deserved it, Barça. Almost immediately, Inter conceded a 4th after a quick counter attack led by Igor and Fernandäo, the latter scoring well

More goals

Over 3,200 Barça fans were witness to a goal feast, with Inter trying to change the game by playing a rush-goalkeeper. Gabriel, with a cross-shot made it 4-2, but Barça Alusport went 5-2 up with a goal from Chico, with four minutes left to play.

Juanra scored for the visitors with a long shot to make it 5-3 and the emorion carried on until the end, with Inter Movistar looking for the miracle and Barça looking to put the game beyond doubt with counter-attacks. Wilde, with a double penalty, and Cristian, came close to scoring, but the important thing was that the three points went to the home team.

Roller hockey

09.04.2011 22:39

Perfect regular phase (4-2)

www.fcbarcelona.cat

Barça Sorli Discau finished the regular phase of the European League unbeaten. Barça beat Blanes away in a fairly dull game that marked the debut of the junior player, Mark Julià.

MATCH STATS

SATHER BLANES, 2
FC BARCELONA SORLI DISCAU, 4

Sather Blanes (0 +2): Fernández, Kimi Ridaura, Armengol (1), Selva (1), Teixido - starting five - Armero, Rodriguez, Álex Ridaura, Nuñez

FC Barcelona Sorli Discau (2 +2): Egurrola, Páez, Panadero, Adroher, Lopez - starting five - Julià, Ordeig, Torra, Reinaldo, Sergio Fernández

Goals: 0-1, Paez, min. 4; 0-2, Adroher, min. 10; 0-3, Reinaldo, min. 29; 1-3, Selva, min. 32; 1-4, Torra, min. 34; 2-4, Armengol, min. 36

Referees: Rotelli and Perrone (ITA)

Six wins from six games. The regular phase of the European league has been perfect for Barça Sorli Discau, who are trying to retain the European title, and do it in the best way possible. Barça, who have been thinking about the Final Eight for some time now, didn’t want to show disrespect to either the match or their rival in the last game, one that didn’t really matter, as Blanes are also qualified for the European Finals.

So, Ferran Pujalte planned for a calm match. Aitor Egurrola started the game and Sergi Fernández played the second half. Rotations were also the order of the day, and above all, the junior player Marc Julian - who came into the game replacing Alberto Borregán, missing with arthritis in his right wrist - had his moments of glory.

Two goals in 10 minutes

Despite being a game without tension, Barça started strongly, and within four minutes David Páez put them 1-0 up following a Carlos Lopez pass. Barca's second goal came six minutes later, also after good team combination play. Sergi Panadero put Jordi Adroher in to make it 2-0, and the score remained the same until the break.

In the second half, both teams were a bit more relaxed, but Barça went 3-0 up with a goal from Reinaldo Garcia, but in a double counter-attack, Jepi Selva captured a rebound, and his speed surprised Fernández.

The joy of the Blanes goal only lasted for two minutes, the time it took Marc Torra to make it 4-1. The last goal came from a penalty, scored by penalty specialist Petxi Armengol, and the game ended 4-2 to Barça.

"The team enjoyed it," Ferran Pujalte said, who recognised that for both Barça and Blanes the game was not too important: "Both defenses were pretty relaxed, better in the first half than the second". He did want to highlight the debut of Marc Julià, the best example of a game played comfortably and pretty well by Barça...

Basketball

05.04.2011 22:30

Convincing home win (4-2)

Sònia de Alba

Barça Sorli Discau have beaten Vilanova in a great match. Two goals from Torra, another from López and a fourth from Panadero kept the three points at home.

Match stats

FC BARCELONA SORLI DISCAU, 4
CP VILANOVA, 2

FC Barcelona Sorli Discau (3+1): Fernández, Ordeig, Panadero (1), Torra (2), Reinaldo – starting five - Páez, Adroher, López (1)
CP Vilanova (0+2): Gil, Bartrés (1), Creus, Ferrer, Galán - starting five - Rocasalbas, Gil (1)

Goals: 1-0, Torra, min. 1; 2-0, Torra, min. 13; 3-0, López, min. 19; 3-1, Gil, min.
43; 4-1, Panadero, min. 48; 4-2, Bartrés, min. 50

Cards: David Paéz (blue) and Marc Torra (red)

Referees: Valverde and Garmendia

Barça Sorli Discau made a hard match against Vilanova look easy. They were strong all the way and only looked vulnerable early in the second half, when Vilanova got their first goal, while their second followed a red card shown to Marc Torra with 21 seconds to go.

Effective

Marc Torra took just one minute and 13 seconds to beat Luis Gil, an early lead that Barcelona defended well before Torra got his second, and would have made it a hat-trick if he hadn’t missed a penalty. Instead, it was down to Carlos López to make it 3-0 from the penalty spot. Vilanova also missed a penalty before the break.

Under control

The home win didn’t look in doubt, but the visitors started creating pressure in the second half, and after squandering several chances, finally got on the scoresheet thanks to Francesc Gil. But by then there were only seven minutes left, and it was game over once Panadero had responded at the other end to make it 4-1. Just before the end, Torra was red carded, and Bartrés struck home the direct free to establish the definitive 4-2.

Roller hockey

26.03.2011 19:26

Comfortable win (6-0)

Sònia de Alba

Barça Sorli Discau disposed of Vendrell with a clear 6-0 victory at the Palau and continued to march on in their league campaign.

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MATCH STATS

FC BARCELONA SORLI DISCAU, 6
MORITZ VENDRELL, 0

FC Barcelona Sorli Discau (2+4): Egurrola, Ordeig (2), Panadero, Borregán, García (1) –starting five- Páez, Torra (1), Adroher (1), López (1).

Moritz Vendrell (0+0): Grau, Rodríguez, Garcia, Albesa, Esteva –starting five- Ruiz, Pena, Borja Ferrer, Lluís Ferrer.

Goals: 1-0, Garcia, min 2; 2-0, Ordeig, min 24; 3-0, López, min 26; 4-0, Ordeig, min 27; 5-0, Adroher, min 39 and 6-0, Torra, min 41.

Referees: García and Martínez

Barça have to win every game left in the league now and Vendrell was a good chance to make amends for some of the mistakes made in the first half of the season. The team had prepared the game well and Reinaldo opened the scoring after just two minutes, with the second coming a minute before the break. Two quick goals at the start of the second half were followed by a fifth and sixth from Adroher and Torra.

Ferran Pujalte continue to win and Reus and Liceo did the same, beating Blanes and Igualada, respectively.

Quick start

Barça Sorli Discau didn’t let Vendrell settle and Reinaldo García put them one up after just five minutes. However, after the goal Guillem Cabestany’s team organised a well positioned defence that created plenty of problems for the hosts.

Even so, Barça could have scored another as Nalo saw his penalty saved by Carles Grau. Straight after, Barça committed a penalty themselves, but Vendrell’s Jordi Garcia also failed to score.

Pujalte used his bench wisely to freshen up the team’s performance and Mia Ordeig made it 2-0 before the break by finishing off a nice move and giving Barça a comfortable lead to go into the second half.

Second half flurry

The lead was soon doubled as Adroher set up Carlos Lopez for the third at the end of a counter attack and almost immediately afterwards Ordeig made it four.

Jordi Adroher caught out the tiring Vendrell defence to make it five and after Aitor Egurrola, who had been a virtual prisoner till then, saved another Vendrell penalty, Marc Torra raced to the other end of the court to leave it at 6-0.