Match Report: Saturday 15/04/2007 19:00 (GMT +1): La Liga, Match Day 30
FC BARCELONA - R.C.D. MALLORCA 1-0 (0-0)

Camp Nou, Barcelona – Attendance: 71.000
Referee: Rafael Ramirez Dominguez


Goals:

1-0 Fernando Navarro (o.g.) 90´


FC Barcelona (4-3-3): Valdes - Zambrotta (Belletti 80´), Thuram (Xavi 58´), Puyol, Gio - Marquez, Iniesta, Deco - Giuly (Saviola 58´), Eto´o, Messi - Manager: Frank Rijkaard


R.C.D. Mallorca (4-5-1): Moya - Hector, Ballesteros, Nunes, Fernando Navarro - Jonas Gutierrez, Pereyra, Basinas, Ibagaza (Jankovic 87´), Varela - Arango (Victor 72´) - Manager: Gregorio Manzano


Match Report: Saviola rescues Barca - Last minute win!
FC Barcelona extended their lead to 4 points over Sevilla after beating Mallorca 1-0 thanks to a late own goal by former Barca player Fernando Navarro in the 90th minute. Victor Valdes saved a penalty in the first half sees Barça extend their lead at the top of the table.


as expected, FC Barcelona controlled the match right from kick-off. Barca passed the ball with patience, trying to unlock the massive defensives lines, with a 5-man midfield and a back 4. Space was tight, and therefore Barca had to pass the ball around and try to attack over the wings, trying to find a little whole in Mallorca´s defence wall.


The first dangerous opportunity came from Rafa Marquez after he headed a Deco free-kick against the outside of the post from tight angle.


Barca controlled the game totally, but was not able to create real goalscoring opportunities and one quick counter attack (probably the first time Mallorca even came near the penalty box) led to a first half penalty. Zambrotta came to late and Jonas was fouled by the approaching Victor Valdes in an one-on-one situation. No doubt about it, it was a penalty and Valdes was also shown the yellow card. Jonas himself took the poor penalty shot and Valdes guessed the right side. this was the third penalty save of Valdes this season.


After the penalty shock, Barca´s attacking play gathered momentum. Deco and Giuly both had opportunities before half-time but could not take advantage of them.


The second half continued in a similar way. Barca was in total charge of the game, while Mallorca was defending very well but not creating even the slightest chance in attack. Messi and Eto´o came closest but both individual opportinities were not taken.


FC Abrcelona coach Rijkaard had to react and therefore sent Saviola for Giuly and Xavi for Thuram onto the pitch on minute 58. Later also Belletti came on for Zambrotta (80´).


The change was decicive. Barca was pushing forward now, trying to decide the game. Knowing that a drawcould mean, losing the leader ship of La Liga, the match developed into one-way football directed at Mallorca´s goal. Saviola then had the biggest chance of the match, when Xavi sent Saviola through. saviola fired the ball towards the Mallorca goal but approaching goalkeeper Moya got an arm to the ball. He then had no problem to secure the ball before Saviola could convert the rebound.


The time was passing and even Barca tried hard and consistently run at the Mallorca goal, the match seemed to be settling for a draw.


Then luck was with the Champions. On minute 90, Xavi crossed the ball into the centre and a strong header from Rafael Marquez towards the Mallorca goal found finally Saviola after the ball had been tried to be cleared but a few defending legs. Saviola´s shot from close distance hit the post. The rebound hit the leg of former Barca defender Fernando Navarro in his own goal. Barca played out the 4 minutes injury time until the final whistle!


Considering the timing and it has been an own goal, we can say it was a lucky win, but Barca deserved more than a draw.


My Comment:

What a nail-biting finish and what a relief! The golden goal gives Barça not only 3 valuable points, but extends their lead decisively at the top of the table. Barca have put a considerable margin between their rivals. at this weekend, we got what we were just dreaming of. The Merengues lose to Racing, Sevilla lose to Valencia, what puts them back into the challenge but with a fiar and square difference of 6 points. Next week, Real Madrid will host Valencia, a match with a final character. The loser will be definetely out of the Championship race and a draw will serve nobody. A fantastic situation for Barca!


For me, this was more than a golden goal. I think, the 1-0 victory has pushed the Championship door wide open for Barca. For me it looks like a "come on and get me" plea, for the third consecutive Championship. Hard to believe that Barca will let this one go.


I think, we can start dreaming! I will already look out for some good bottles of Cava (Catalan version of Champagne) that I can put into the fridge after Real played Valencia and Sevilla (draws would be perfect!).


Visca el Barca!