Noia Freixenet 3–4 Barça Lassa: The Palau will decide

Noia Freixenet 3–4 Barça Lassa: The Palau will decide

Edu Castro's side win in the first leg of the quarterfinals of the European League

Edu Castro's side won in the first leg of the quarterfinals of the European League against a tough Noia Freixenet (3-4). 

Frenzied start

The duel began with a very early goal after Xavi Costa saw a blue card. Pablo Álvarez was on target from the direct foul. Noia Freixenet reacted quickly, however, with a goal from Humberto Mendes. The match maintained a certain intensity, with offensive dominance from the locals. The clearest chance for the Catalans was a powerful shot by Nil Roca, and at the break they were behind after a blue card to Marc Gual allowed Sergi Aragonès to give the hosts the lead (2-1).

Matías Pascual scores twice

Barça Lassa totally dominated in the opening stages of the second half, and Matías Pascual soon had them back on terms. Humberto Mendes restored the hosts' advantage in the 36th minute, but just a minute later, Pascual found the net again. Great combination play between Pau Bargalló and João Rodrigues saw the Portuguese score the game winner (3-4, min 38), and they could've taken a two-goal lead back to Barcelona but were unable to take advantage of a blue card to Sergi Aragonés.

The second leg between the sides, on Saturday, April 6, at the Palau Blaugrana, will decide the outcome of the tie (6.00pm CET).

Match Details:

Noia Freixenet, 3
Barça Lassa, 4

Noia Freixenet: Xus Fernández, Aleix Esteller, Xavi Costa, Sergi Llorca and Sergi Aragonès -starters-, Edu Fernández and Humberto Mendes.

Barça Lassa: Aitor Egurrola, Marc Gual, Matías Pascual, Pau Bargalló and Pablo Álvarez -starters-, Nil Roca, Ignacio Alabart and João Rodrigues.

Goals: 1-0, Pablo Álvarez (min 2); 1-1, Humberto Mendes (min 3); 2-1, Sergi Aragonès (min 25); 2-2, Matías Pascual (min 32); 3-2, Humberto Mendes (min 36); 3-3, Matías Pascual (min 37); 3-4, João Rodrigues (min 38).

Officials: Joao Duarte and Ricardo Leao. Blue card to Xavi Costa, Sergi Aragonès and Marc Gual. Fouls: 10-17.

Força Barça
Força Barça

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