Barça 5-3 OC Barcelos: Extra time win to reach the semifinals

The Barça roller hockey team came through a tough test to beat OC Barcelos 5-3 in extra time in front of a raucous crowd in the Pavilhão Municipal. Next up a return to Portugal to play Porto in the semi-final on May 6 at 4pm CEST.

Goalless first half

Both sides began this high stakes clash with an intensity to befit the occasion, but the goals simply wouldn't come for either team. Acevedo and Fernández were thwarting everything that was thrown at them when the defences were finally breached to allow a clear shot on goal. Barça were having the majority of the play and combining well without finding that vital first goal, 0-0 at half time.

Extra time settles the tie

The goals finally came in the second half, first through a counter attack started by a save by Sergi Fernández and finished by Pau Bargalló. However, the joy was short-lived as Alvarinho quickly drew the home side level against the run of play. Barça responded well, though, top scorer for the Catalans in the Champions League João Rodrigues restoring the lead to 1-2.

The home crowd were doing all they could to create a difficult atmosphere for the Catalans and Acevedo continued to frustrate the visitors. Anything could happen at this point and Vierinha levelled the game in the final minutes to force extra time. Acevedo and Sergi Fernández prevented any further goals during the first half of extra time, but João Rodrigues and Rampulla both scored in the second with the game still tied at 3-3.

Rodrigues proved the difference maker, though, breaking the deadlock with just a minute to go before Helder Nunes sealed the win, scoring into an empty net for 5-3 with OS Barcelos desperately seeking another equaliser. Next up, Porto in the semi-final on May 6 at 4pm local time. 

GAME STATS

Barça, 5
Barcelos, 3

Barça: Sergi Fernández, Pau Bargalló, Igancio Alabart, João Rodrigues and Helder Nunes - starting five - Sergi Panadero, Marc Grau, Sergi Llorca, 
Barcelos: Conti Acevedo, Danilo Rampulla, Luis Querido, Miguel Vierinha and Alvarinho Morais - starting five - Miguel Rocha, Pedro Pereira André Centeno, Dario Gimenez

Goals: 1-0, Pau Bargalló (min 30); 1-1, Alvarinho (min 30); 2-1, João Rodrigues (min 34); 2-2, Vierinha (min 47); 3-2, João Rodrigues (min 56); 3-3, Rampulla (min 57); 4-3, João Rodrigues (min 59); 5-3, Helder Nunes (min 60)

Referees: Cláudio Ferraro and Marco Rondina. Fouls: 8-7