FCBARCELONA.CAT

04.01.2009 18:45

Three points short of promotion play-off (1-0)

Anna Segura

Barça Atlètic have started the year in the best possible way with a win over Benidorm that puts them just three points adrift of the promotion play-off zone. Maric, with a cracking strike in the 39th minute scored the only goal of the game.

Football returned to the Miniestadi after the Christmas break and saw two teams face each other that were level pegging in the table. A win would have been enough to put either side on good course for a play-off berth, and it was Barça Atlètic who got that reward with three points that bring them that much closer to Division 2A.

Guardiola there to watch

Plenty of people had an interest in the Barça v Benidorm game, incusing first team coach, Josep Guardiola, who was at the Miniestadi to see his former charges. Tito Vilanova, his assistant, was also in the crowd.

Much respect

Luis Enrique had been forced to make changes because both Córcoles and Vázquez were suspended, while Espasandín and Solano were missing through injury.

Both teams showed the utmost respect for each other during the early minutes, but it looked like any mistake could lead to the first goal being leaked.

Maric on target

The best chance for Benidorm came in the 28th minute when Javi Moreno sent the ball onto the crossbar after it had been touched by Longás. Six minutes later, Barça Atlètic had a chance of their own. Gai latched onto a Jeffren cross, but his header was well met by the gloves of Caballero.

But in the 39th minute, Maric surprised the Benidorm stopper with a well-placed drive from the right. It went straight in, and that was Barça in command shortly before the half-time break.

Reaction by Benidorm halted

In the second half, Benidorm controlled more of the game but Barça Atlètic were well organised at the back and especially had Miño to thank for preventing the equaliser from coming. Barça struggled to find a way through and enjoyed very few occasions, but managed to hold to secure three vital points.

Sixth in the table

Barça Atlètic’s win against Benidorm moves Luis Enrique and his men up to sixth in the table, just behind Terrassa, who drew this weekend and are now just a point ahead of the Barça reserve team. It’s all going brilliantly, Atlètic have now gone ten games without defeat.