FCBARCELONA.CAT

06.06.2008 23:02

Victory required on Sunday (5-4)

Verònica Díez

Barça Sorli Discau must now win on Sunday after being beaten on penalties by Alnimar Reus Deportiu in the first leg of the OK Liga final after drawing 3-3 in normal time.

Quim Paüls' team were unable to ever really take command of the game, although they looked comfortable at times. In the first half the visitors went two goals behind, before they made a strong comeback straight after the break to draw level thanks to goals from Páez and Ordeig. Pedro Gil put the hosts back in front only for Páez to make it 3-3 before the end to take the game to penalties.

Patient start

Alnimar Reus Deportiu were calm in their play, as were Barça on occasion, despite the pressure of the occasion and the atmosphere inside the La Bombonera. The home fans were in fine voice, but the play on court was patient with neither side not making mistakes or taking too many risks.

Chances were being created in abundance with the Blaurgana have the first opportunity to score in the fourth minute only for the Borregán to miss a penalty and Páez went close soon after. The home team's best chance came in the 11th minute when Jordi García took on Egurola only to be denied. Masoliver and Borregán were also probing for Barça.

Going behind

After 21 minutes the first goal arrived and it was Reus that made the breakthrough when Pedrito Gil worked well to help Marc Gual find the net. A minute before the break the hosts doubled their lead when Gual scored again and left Barça having to regroup after the restart.

Drawing level

Having created a cushion, Reus came out after half-time and went forward looking to extend their advantage. Gual and Gil were causing problems, but as they pressed up field, they left spaces at the back and Barça were able to capitalise and make a comeback. In the fifth minute Carlitos López laid on the Blaugrana's first that Páez netted and the supply line came fro the same player as López set up Ordeig to make it 2-2. The tension began to rise in the arena and cards were handed out, but the drama was not over yet.

Final twist

The game looked to be heading for a draw then, but Pedro Gil gave Reus the lead once more with a powerful drive from distance only for there to be one more twist in the tail as Paéz levelled again with just two minutes remaining to force overtime.

Penalty reverse

During the additional team, both sides looked for a winning goal and Borregán had the best chance. His miss meant that the scoreboard remained unchanged and the game went to penalties.

Páez, Masoliver, López, Ordeig and Borregán took Barça's penalties with López being the only one to actually score. Masoliver had his effort ruled out for being too far forward while Trabal stopped his second shot.