Barça 3-2 Valdepeñas: Show of character and into the semifinals

The Barça futsal team are through to the next round of the Spanish Cup. Viña Albali Valdepeñas made it difficult, yet thrilling game throughout. The first game is always difficult, especially when faced by a raucous crowd and a resolute opponent. Claudino's goal in the first half meant Jesús Velasco's team had to come back, and they did just that through Adolfo and Pito with a brace.

Rowing against the tide

Valdepeñas started very strongly, willed on by their fans who were out en masse. Saves by Edu from Adolfo and Coelho only emboldened them further and they took the lead shortly after when Claudino diverted a Matheus Preá shot to break the deadlock (0-1, min 7) after a corner.

The game became somewhat stodgy after the goal, Barça tried every route to break though the Valdepeñas defence but it stood firm. Catela and Pito both hit the woodwork but the score remained unchanged at the break.

Barça comeback

More of the same after the restart, with Barça looking to score. However, the woodwork didn't come to the rescue this time, Sergio González assisting Adolfo to level the score (1-1, min 25). Just three minutes later Pito cut back and fired in a curling shot (2-1, min 28).

Valdepeñas didn't give up though, Ivi scoring to tie the game (2-2, min 35). However, despite having received a somewhat controversial card, Pito showed character to score a super goal from a Dídac pass that got the Barça fans out of their seats (3 -2, min 36).

The last few minutes were thrilling, with Valdepeñas using a fly goalkeeper, but Dídac and the defence saw Barça through to the semifinal of the Cup.

GAME STATS

Barça, 3

Valdepeñas, 2

Barça: Dídac, Ortiz, Catela, Lozano, Pito - starting five - André Coelho, Adolfo, Marcenio, Antonio, Matheus, Sergio González.

Viña Albali Valdepeñas: Edu, Rafael, Boyis, Pol Pacheco, Solano - starting five - Lemine, Claudino, Matheus Preá, Abbasi, Lolo, Bateria, Ivi.

Goals: 0-1, Claudino (min 7), 1-1, Adolfo (min 25). 2-1, Pito (min 28). 2-2, Ivi (min 35). 3-2, Pito (min 36).

Referees: Navarro Rodríguez-Villanueva, Sarabia Eguiluz. Yellow cards for André Coelho, Sergio González, Matheus and Pito from Barça, and for Solano, Rafa Rato, Boyis and Edu from Valdepeñas.