14.03.2009 20:35

Barça make it to Bassano (2-1)

Sònia de Alba

Barça Sorli Discau have made into the final in Bassano after getting the win they needed against Italian side Valdagno, 2-1, thanks to a Borregán penalty and a goal from Panadero.

The Palau Blaugrana bore witness to roller hockey at its very best as Barça Sorli Discau made it into the eight-team end-season tournament.

Full force on both fronts

Both teams were adamant that they would not let this chance slip. In a highly attack-minded game, there was little room for speculation. Valdgano duo Carlos Nicolía and Osvaldo Raed showed their skill right from the off, and the Italian keeper Vallortigara also made it clear early on that Barça would not have it too easy in this fixture.

In the fifth minute of the game Alberto Borregán was brought down in the area, for which Moratan was yellow-carded. The Barça playmaker wasn’t going to waste this golden opportunity. With a well taken spot kick, Beto made it 1-0.

No easing off

Quim Paüls wanted to make sure this intensive pace did not ease up, and sent on the speedy Carlos López and Lluís Teixidó for Sergi Panadero and David Paéz, making the best of rotations to keep the players’ energy levels up.

Carlitos came close to tapping home a Borregán assist to make it 2-0, and most of the Palau were convinced they had seen a goal when Lluís Teixidó’s effort looked to have crossed the line.

Valdagno were losing more and more possession, but still produced some danger, with Nicolía especially coming close to bringing his side level.

Valdagno’s Argentinian then attempted a complicated one-two with Cocco, the latter reaching out like a soccer goalie to meet the ball, but not quite making it.

Valdagno pull level

Barça’s lead was then cancelled out by a free kick that Davide Motaran turned into a goal. The ball found its way past the home wall and slipped through underneath Egurrola, who had lost sight of the ball.

But the Italian joy was short-lived. In the very next play, Sergi Panadero connected with a rebound to put the ball beyond Vallortigara’s reach and into the back of the net.

Barça go for it

The score now 2-1, Barça were determined not to make the same mistake they had before. This time they tightened their game and also launched onslaughts of every form on the visitor’s goal. Counters, one-twos, rebounds… everything, but to no avail.

But none of that ultimately mattered because they already had the lead and that meant three points and the chance to continue their defence of their European title.