They managed it this year. FC Barcelona have beaten last year's nemesis Noia Freixenet to go through to the Copa semi-finals to face Calafell and the quest to reclaim the title continues. Goals by Ignacio Alabart, Sergi Llorca, Eloi Cervera and Ferran Font in the second half paved the way, with Sergi Fernández providing solidity through his saves.

Goalless

Barroso and Alabart had two early chances but Martí Zapater stood strong, before going on to thwart more blaugrana attempts on goal, even from a direct free hit. The side from Alt Penedès were attacking too, but they couldn't beat Sergi Fernández and the tie was evenly balanced.

The bad luck in front of goal continued, Sergi Llorca hit the bar while Ferran Font missed. The number 24 then got a blue card for a defensive action. This led to a three man defence that stood firm against Noia Freixenet who had a man advantage. The chances and fouls came thick and fast in the first half, but it just lacked goals.

Goals keeping coming

Finally something to celebrate, as the blaugrana number 3 showed his quality to score as the second half got under way. All of sudden it was 2-0, Sergi Llorca also from a Marc Grau assist. At the other end, Sergi Fernández was saving every effort, even from another direct free hit.

Only FC Barcelona were scoring and Eloi Cervera widened the gap by making it 3-0, before the blaugrana number 10 proved he was impenetrable by saving a penalty.

Ferran Font then stepped up to score a direct free hit to make it 4-0. The gap was now big enough to see them though to the next round of the competition. Calafell are next up in the Copa and the game is scheduled for 21 March at 2.00pm CET. The dream to reclaim the title is still alive.

GAME STATS

Barça 4
Noia Freixenet 0

Barça: Sergi Fernández, Ignacio Alabart, Xavi Barroso, Marc Grau and Eloi Cervera - starting five - Sergi Llorca, Ferran Font, Pablo Álvarez and Sergi Aragonès
Noia Freixenet: Martí Zapater, Pablo Nájera, Toni Salvadó, Aleix Esteller and Gelmà Paz - starting five - Xavi Aragonès, Xavi Costa, Jan Curtiellas and Pau Andreu

Goals: 1-0, Ignacio Alabart (min 28); 2-0, Sergi Llorca (min 32); 3-0, Eloi Cervera (min 38); 4-0, Ferran Font (direct free hit) (min 42)

Referees: Iván González and Albert Barba. Blue cards for Ferran Font (min 17), Eloi Cervera (min 39). Fouls: 15-15

Força Barça