It wasn’t to be. Barça were unable to lift the Frit Ravich Catalan League, falling 4-2 in the final against Calafell at Onze de Setembre Pavilion in Lleida. So not first trophy for Ricard Ares following a tightly fought contest in which the opposition's more clinical finishing that ultimately tipped the balance.

Early chances for Barça

Barça started brightly, chasing a trophy last won in 2021. Marc Grau and Alabart went close, but Martí Serra kept Calafell in it. The hosts grew into the game, forcing Carles Grau into action.

Sergi Folguera set up Carles Domènech to make it 1-0 (17’), but Marc Grau quickly levelled from a bully (1-1, 19’). The first half ended even, and after the break both sides showed more fear of losing than desire to win.

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Clinical Calafell

Jero García’s solo effort put Calafell back ahead (2-1, 36’), and Domènech’s long-range strike soon after made it 3-1 (40’). Barça found hope when a Ferran Font shot was deflected in by Folguera (3-2, 48’), but pushing for an equaliser with five outfielders, they were punished as Domènech struck into the empty net (4-2, 50’).

Barça must now regroup ahead of the Spanish Super Cup, with a semi-final against Liceo in Igualada next Saturday (6.45pm CEST).

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    MATCH STATS

    Calafell: 4
    Barça: 2

    Calafell: Martí Serra, Carles Domènech, Biel Pujadas, Aleix Marimón, Sergi Folguera, Josep Maria Virgili, Jero García, Jepi Selva, Joan Pujalte & Quim Gabarró.

    Barça: Carles Grau, Ignacio Alabart, Ferran Font, Xavi Barroso, Marc Grau, Sergi Fernández, Pablo Álvarez, Sergi Llorca, Sergi Aragonés & Eloi Cervera.

    Goals: 1-0, Carles Domènech (min. 17); 1-1, Marc Grau (min. 19); 2-1, Jero García (min. 36); 3-1, Carles Domènech (min. 40); 3-2, Sergi Folguera, en pròpia (min. 48); 4-2, Carles Domènech (min. 50).

    Referees: Oriol Pérez & Oriol Escobar. Fouls: 8-9.

     

    Força Barça