Five of the eight FC Barcelona players named to Catalonia’s national team were in the starting line up against Cape Verde this Monday evening. Bartra, Piqué, Busquets, Cesc and Alba watched as Djaniny scored the surprising opener for the visiting team. Cape Verde’s lead didn’t last long as Catalonia struck back for four goals. All eight FC Barcelona players played 45 minutes and the goals were scored by Sergio Garcia, Bojan and Oriol Riera, all of whom were formed at La Masia.
In only five minutes, from minute 15 to minute 19, Sergio García and Bojan turned the match around for the Catalans. Sergio García netted a brace, while Barça’s on-loan forward to Ajax, Bojan, scored the third.
Festive atmosphere in the stands and on the pitch
With victory practically secured, the team managed by Gerard López (who lined him men up in a 3-4-3 formation) showcased their quality against Cape Verde. The forward Platini came close to scoring for the visiting team just before the most spectacular play of the night, when Sergio García recovered possession at the halfway line and sent the ball into the back of the net.
The referee, however, called back the goal due to foul prior to the play. The fans protested, but it didn’t quell the overwhelming festive atmosphere at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, where chants, flags, songs, and cheers in favour of Catalonia rang out.
Oriol Riera makes it four
After the break Montoya, Sergi Roberto and Tello were sent in. Another former Barça player, Oriol Riera, scored Catalonia’s fourth after Tello’s attempt on minute 64. The traditional Christmas match concluded with an appearance of MLS champion Oriol Rosell.
