Barça 4-1 Igualada Rigat HC: Semi-finals kick off with a victory
Barça took the first game of the league play off semi-finals against Igualada, a 4-1 victory a reflection of their dominance in the game. Keeper Sergi Fernández was a key figure in the encounter as were Alabart with two goals and Sergi Llorca and Marc Grau with the others.
Alabart and Sergi Fernández, decisive
Both sides came out looking to break the deadlock. Barça keeper Sergi Fernández made an excellent save to deny Marc González whilst Xavi Barroso hit the post for the blaugranes.
The opening goal of the contest eventually came in the 21st minute, Igancio Alabart finding the net to put Barça in front. 1-0 up at half time, Alabart added a second not long after the restart. Sergi Fernández once again came to the fore, making vital saves to preserve Barça's lead.
Ricard Ares' team took control of the game with two goals in four minutes. Sergi Llorca made it 3-0 on 39 minutes with Marc Grau extending the blaugranes' lead with Barça a man up after a blue card for Igualada's Joel Roma.
Barça saw Igualada pull one through Biel Llanes late on but a comeback was never on the cards as it is advantage blaugranes in the semi-final play off.
MATCH STATS
Barça, 4
Igualada Rigat HC, 1
Barça: S. Fernández, Alabart, F. Font, X. Barroso and M. Grau -starting five- Carles Grau, E. Cervera, S. Aragonès, P. Álvarez and Llorca
Igualada Rigat HC: Arnau Martínez, Marc Carol, Miguel Cañadillas, Matías Pascual and Biel Llanes -starting five- Joan Ruano, Alex Cardil, Marc González and Joel Roma
Goals: 1-0, Alabart (min 21); 2-0, Alabart (min 32); 3-0, Sergi Llorca (min 39); 4-0, Marc Grau (min 43); 4-1, Biel Llanes (min 48)
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