FCBARCELONA.CAT

17.05.2009 13:41

Poor start (6-4)

www.fcbarcelona.cat

Barça Mobicat have made a poor start to the play-offs, going down in the first quarter-final game at Pinto in Madrid. Now they need to win the next two matches at home.

There’s a reason why people say it’s the surprise team of the year. Tien21 P. Milenium Pinto, promoted last season, finished the regular season in sixth spot to make the play-offs, and have now won the first game of their quarter-final clash against hot favourites Barça Mobicat.

Home team effective

Pinto came out believing they could do it and within five minutes were ahead through Retamar. Barça Mobicat immediately ramped up their attacking play but were unable to find a way through the home defence.

After 10 minutes top goal scorer Fernandao managed to equalise, but a minute later Luís put the home side back in front. The Madrid outfit were nothing if not effective, turning four of their six first half shots into goals.

The third came on the break with Sergio firing home just after Javi Rodríguez had got Barça Mobicat’s second. And with just seconds to go before the break, Fabían added the fourth from the 10 metre line after a harsh penalty award against Carlos Muñoz to make it 4-2 at halftime.

Fernandao brings hope

Within a minute of the restart Luís Fonseca’s men made it five through Fabián. Barça Mobicat were now really up against it but didn’t throw in the towel.

Marc Carmona then took the risk of playing an outfield player/goalkeeper, a decision that proved to be the right one as Fernandao swiftly pulled two back in just two minutes. It was still game on.

Controversial sending off

But with two minutes left on the clock came the game-deciding incident. As Pinto broke, Igor brought down the last Madrid player as he cleared the ball. The referee harshly gave him a straight red, so Barça were a man down for the last two minutes. Yet still they pushed forward and had chances to grab an equaliser, only to see Fabián make it 6-4 on the hooter.

Now Barça Mobicat have to win the next two games to be played at the Palau Blaugrana arena.