28.09.2008 19:02

Reus win World Club Championship (1-0)

Cristina Collado

A golden goal by José Luís Páez at ten seconds into extra-time won the World Club Championship for Reus Deportiu after a very even game in which Barcelona made most of the running in attack.

It had been a tough championship, with nine games in twelve days meaning Barça Sorli Discau reached the final low on juice. Nonetheless they took the game to Reus who played more cautiously throughout the match. A goal by ex-Barça player José Luíz Paéz in extra-time was enough to win the Championship for the home side.

Counterattack

The early stages of the game were very even and neither side was prepared to take too many risks in the first 20 minutes. The result was that both sides held back and tried to hit the other on the counterattack, with Barça’s best chance coming from Sergi Panadero whose shot was pushed away by Reus goalkeeper Guillem Trabal.

As for Reus Deportiu, its best chances fell to Caldú and then Pedro Gil who fired in a cross shot that just missed. The home team received constant support from its fans in the Reus Olympic Pavilion.

Pushing forward

In the second half, Barça took more risks to break the deadlock while Reus still played cautiously. Barça skipper Alberto Borregán had some good chances to open the scoring but was denied by the home keeper.

As Barça Sorli Discau turned the screws, Sergi Panadero got his second yellow card and was sin-binned for two minutes. In spite of this it was Barça who continued to put on the pressure and the last two minutes were in some ways the most exciting of the game: Jordi Garcia fired in a shot which Aitor Egurrola did well to save, while Borregán was unable to convert a one-on-one against Trabal.

Extra-time, sending off and golden goal

At the end of normal time the score was still nil all, so the game went to injury time. While the clock was stopped Carlitos López complained to the referee about a decision in the game and was promptly given a red card.

It left Barça Sorli Discau at a disadvantage in extra-time that could be won by a golden goal. And that goal was not long in coming as José Luís Páez picked up a loose ball in the middle of the court and fired in a cross shot past Aitor Egurrola. It was just 10 seconds into extra-time, but it was enough for Reus Deportiu to become World Club Champions on their own court.