Barça B's sixth promotion to Division 2A
Victory over Racing de Santander in the play-off final means Barça B have secured promotion to Division 2A for the sixth time in their history. The most recent one prior to Sunday's success was in 2009/2010 with Luis Enrique as coach and the first team’s Sergi Roberto in the side. Next season will be the 23rd time Barça’s second team will play in the second highest division in Spain.
There are four survivors from the team who were relegated two season ago, with Gumbau, Palencia, José Suárez and Kaptoum staying to help Barça B get back into the division after a two-year absence.
The promotion is also the manager Gerard López’s first in his two years as coach of Barça B. His team has recorded figures of 27 wins, eight draws and nine defeats in this season’s 44 games with an impressive 90 goals for and only 36 against.
POST-MATCH REACTIONS
Manager, Gerard López:
“It is a brilliant moment. We have done well as the team were at a low point when they were relegated but in two years we have turned it around. I am very happy to put Barça B back where they belong.”
“A new era starts tomorrow. We have to enjoy it and also try and maintain it so that the team can stay there for years to come. In order to do so, we need to keep giving youth a chance and working hard.”
Captain, Sergi Palencia:
“It has been a long season with its ups and downs but this is our reward for all our effort.”
“We are very happy to have achieved our objective, it is emotional. They said it was all decided after the match at El Sardinero but we had to work hard all week and have the right mentality today.”
FCB President, Josep Maria Bartomeu:
“This was the moment we were waiting for all season and we have done it. Barça B isn’t here to win but to develop players and being in the second division is crucial.”
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