FCBARCELONA.CAT

22.05.2009 22:48

Painful elimination (2-4)

Cristina Collado

Barça Mobicat’s season is over after losing their league play-off quarter final to Pinto. The side from Madrid were just that little bit more effective in the end

After such a good season, it was a cruel blow for Barça Mobicat to go out at this stage, but that’s sport, and all credit has to go to the surprise package of the season. Tien21 P. Millenium Pinto beat Barça Mobicat and go into the semi finals in their first ever season of top flight futsal.

Barça Mobicat did all they could and had two chances in the first few seconds of the game. Saad struck first and then Fernandao’s effort was turned away by visiting keeper Gus. Javi Rodríguez then volleyed straight into the defence - Barça Mobicat were in command but the goals weren’t coming.

Saad and Fernandao enjoyed further chances that Gus dealt with expertly, and Pinto had yet to have a shot of their own.

Pinto go ahead

So it was totally against the run of play that Pinto went ahead following a set play in the seventh minute finished off by Luis Arrizabalaga. Hugo and Retamar had come close shortly before, but in situations of far less danger than those produced by Barça Mobicat.

Maximum tension

Barça Mobicat lost their cool somewhat, but regrouped and equalised through PC. Their confidence back they started commanding the game again, but failed to turn that dominance into goals.

As before, just as Barça Mobicat were marvelling with quality play, the visitors scored. Retamar broke free and in a one-on-one with Cristian the Pinto man came out tops and tapped home into an empty net. 1-2

Barça responded with a powerful Jordi Sánchez strike to level affairs again, and almost took the lead when Saad hit the post just before half time.

Playing catch up

Three minutes after the restart, there was more misfortune when Fabián struck the ball onto the bar, but it rebounded into the net. Barça were behind again.

Saad Assis once again led the Barça reaction, but this was not the most effective of Barça performances. Then after eight minutes Matamoros hit home hard to put his side two goals ahead. It was not looking good for Barça Mobicat.

Tense ending

Matters could have changed after 30 minutes. Gus brought down Fernandao, but was only penalised with a yellow. That was also foul number five for Pinto, but the referees awarded no further frees in favour of Barça Mobicat.

It was a tense ending, with Saad, Chico and Fernandao all creating chances, and Javi Rodríguez was sent on a rush goalie to try to inspire a comeback. With just 1:16 on the clock, Jordi Sánchez hit the post, but it was too little too late, and the 4-2 win sends Pinto into the semi finals.