Noia Freixenet 4-1 Barça: Work left to do

Barça had a match ball on Friday at Noia, but after winning the first two games in the league final series, they were soundly beaten in game three. They still lead the series at 2-1, and therefore have two more chances to get their hands on the trophy, the first this coming Sunday.

It was always going to be an uphill struggle after Iván Morales blasted the home side ahead from long range on 7 minutes, The home support was extraordinary, but they were silenced for a while when João Rodrigues took advantage of a power play to level the scores, but just when it looked like the sides would be level at the break, up popped Jordi Bargalló to put his side back in command.

The second half was a pulsating affair, but while Barça failed to tuck away some fine chances, Noia made the utmost of the chances of their own. When Martí Gabarró made it 3-1 with six minutes to go, the situation had become desperate. Barça tried to scramble something late, but instead Xavier Costa was gifted the chance to stoke home a fourth into an empty net.

Tonight was a setback, but the series is still Barça's to lose and hopefully Sunday can bring better fortune.

MATCH STATS

Noia Freixenet, 4
Barça, 1

Noia Freixenet: Blai Roca, Aleix Esteller, Antoni Salvadó, Jordi Bargalló, Iván Morales, Xavier Rovira, Xavier Costa, Humberto Mendes & Martí Gabarró
Barça: Carles Grau, Ignacio Alabart, Xavi Barroso, Marc Grau, João Rodrigues, Sergi Llorca, Eloi Cervera & Sergi Panadero

Goals: 1-0, Iván Morales (min 7); 1-1, João Rodrigues (penal) (min 12); 2-1, Jordi Bargalló (min 24); 3-1, Martí Gabarró (min 43); 4-1, Xavier Costa (min 49)