Barça 3-1 Noia Freixenet: Hard fought win, one more for the title

Home court advantage was again a factor as the Palau Blaugrana helped Barça defeat Noia 3-1 in the OK Liga final series second game. A much tougher game than the first saw the blaugranes come through to go 2-0 up in the series, and just one more win from the two games in Sant Sadurní will see them crowned champions.

High octane start

The visitors' plan was clearly different to the game on Friday, with a much more back to front and risky attacking approach, which lead to Jordi Bargalló hitting the bar (min. 6). However, Barça were also looking lively, demonstrated by a quick transition goal finished by João Rodrigues (1-0, min. 7).

Noia tightened up in defence, collecting fouls, but making it hard for blaugranes to attack. That was until a genius like Pau Bargalló stepped up (min. 25), firing a low shot in next to Blai Roca's right hand post, his 11th goal of the season making it 2-0 at the break.

Lead shortened

Noia still believed in themselves, however, scoring after the break through a great goal by Aleix Esteller (1-2, min. 28). Almost immediately afterwards, they gave away their tenth foul, giving the blaugranes the chance to reestablish the two goal lead, but Pau's direct free hit struck the post.

Carles Grau steps up

It was then Barça's turn to commit the tenth foul, and Carles Grau saved the equalising shot with his helmet. The pace was now intense and Barça kept finding Blai Roca standing firm, while Noia were only one foul from another direct free hit. The visitors then went close twice, and with both teams on 14 fouls, Noia got their direct free hit first, but again Carles Grau stepped up.

Late goal confirms win

Noia continued to press and Barça needed their keeper again, before Noia's 15th foul gave Ignacio Alabart the chance from a direct free hit. This time Blai Roca held firm with the score still 2-1 with three minutes to go.

Bargalló and Rodrigues then came up trumps, the latter finishing the former's assist (3-1, min. 48), confirming the second win in the OK Liga final series. That leaves just one more win needed, with the first chance on Friday at the Ateneo Agrícola de Sant Sadurní (9.00pm CEST).

Game stats

Barça 3
Noia Freixenet 1

Barça: Carles Grau, Ignacio Alabart, Xavi Barroso, Pau Bargalló and João Rodrigues - starting five - Sergi Fernández, Sergi Panadero, Marc Grau, Sergi Llorca and Eloi Cervera.

Noia Freixenet: Blai Roca, Toni Salvadó, Jordi Bargalló, Aleix Esteller and Iván Morales - starting five - Jan Marimón, Xavi Costa, Martí Gabarró, Humberto Mendes and Xavi Rovira.

Goals: 1-0, João Rodrigues (min. 7); 2-0, Pau Bargalló (min. 25); 2-1, Aleix Esteller (min. 28); 3-1, João Rodrigues (min. 48).

Referees: Iván González and Albert Barba.