Match Preview: Tuesday 16/01/2007 21:00 (GMT +1): Copa del Rey, Round Last-16, Second Leg

FC BARCELONA - DEPORTIVO ALAVES 3:2 (2:2)
Camp Nou, Barcelona – Attendance: 40.000

Referee: Pérez Lima


Goles:
1-0, Saviola (15')

2-0, Saviola (22')
2-1 Wellington Paulista (35')

2-2 Arthuro (43')
3-2 Saviola (62')


FC Barcelona (4-3-3): Joquera - Oleguer (Zambrotta 66´), Marquez, Puyol (Oleguer), Sylvinho - Motta (Edmilson 74´), Gio, Xavi - Saviola, Ronaldinho, Ezquerro (Guily 46´) - Manager: Frank Rijkaard


Alaves (4-4-2): Ardouin - Mateo, Gaspar, Edu Alonso, Angel - Carpintero, Lucen, Gabriel (Elton 67´), Thiago - Arthuro (Uranga 71´), Wellington (Ogbeche 61´) - Manager: Fabri


Match Report: Cup Hero: Javier Saviola !!!

FC Barcelona progressed to the quarterfinals of the Copa Del Rey with a 3-2 victory over Deportivo alaves (5:2 on aggregate), while argentine Javier Saviola netted three times on this evening and a total of 5 goals in both matches.


Barca started with a two-goal advantage from the first leg, but after a fine start, were made to work hard on Tuesday night. The progress into the next round was never in doubt but Alaves played a good game and after
they found themselves 4-0 down on aggregate, by two early goals from Saviola on 16 and 21 minutes, they were back into the match when they netted twice before the break (Wellington 35´ and Arthuro 43´).

However, Saviola was the hero of the evening when he scored his 3rd goal with a fine volley on 62 minutes to seal the victory.


Barça are through to the last eight of the cup after beating Alavés, although with more problems than in the first leg. Barça will know who they meet in the quarterfinals in Friday's draw.


My Comment:
Argentine International Saviola scored all 5 goals in two Cup matches for Barca. The "Conejo" has shown again that he is more than just a replacement and has put further oil into the fire of the discussion, if he should be in the starting line up or not. Now, by showing this attitude and bagging goals like no other player, it will be very difficult not to play him from the beginning. And why should´nt he?

Let´s see, if Saviola kicks off against Nastic next weekend and hope he repeats what he did in the last two Cup matches!


Barca progressed easily and the mission has been accomplished. Now the attention has to turn to La Liga again!