FCBARCELONA.CAT

25.03.2009 20:02

Edging towards the play-offs (3-0)

Jesús Carrillo

Barça Atlètic has beaten local rivals Terrassa 3-0 in the Miniestadi in the 31st round of the Second Division league championship. The team coached by Luis Enrique is in fifth place in the table level on points with Sant Andreu.

The match was decided in a spectacular first half with goals from Pedro in the 18th minute and Jeffren, from the penalty spot, in the 28th.

The third goal – a footballing work of art signed by Víctor Sánchez - came in the last minute of the match.

Two penalties in seven minutes

The first signs of danger from the home team ended in a great goal by Pedro, who fired in a precise left footed shot from the right side of the pitch. Then, in the 21st minute, the referee gave a penalty to Terrassa but the visiting forward wasted the opportunity and sent the ball over the bar. A few moments later, Barça Atlètic was in turn awarded a penalty and Jeffren sent the keeper the wrong way and buried the ball in the net (2-0).

Forced substitution

Earlier, in the16th minute, Luis Enrique was forced to take off his captain after an accidental collision between Córcoles and Botía left the former with a bleeding eyebrow. Tiago came on and Abraham took over at right back.

Apart from the two Barça goals, Terrassa also had a couple of good chances but failed to take them.

Barça keeps up the pressure

Barça Atlètic kept their shape and concentration well in the second half and kept possession while threatening down the wings. Terrassa posed no danger and in the 26th minute a heavy tackle by Tomillo on Pedro Rodríguez resulted in the Terrassa defender being sent off.

Víctor Sánchez hits a third

The likelihood of a comeback from ten-man Terrassa was slight and Barça Atlètic killed off the match with a wonderful goal from Víctor Sánchez, one of the best seen in the Miniestadi this year, late in the second half.

Guardiola looking on

First team coach Josep Guardiola, accompanied by ‘Tito' Vilanova and Juan Carlos Unzué, took advantage of the international break and were in the Miniestadi to watch the young hopefuls of Barça Atlètic. Sylvinho and his children were also in the stands.