Match Report: Wednesday 18/04/2007 21:00 (GMT +1): Copa Del Rey, Semifinal 1st Leg
FC BARCELONA - GETAFE 5-2 (3-0)

Camp Nou, Barcelona – Capacity: 55.000
Referee: Mejuto Gonzalez


Goals:

1-0 Xavi 19´
2-0 Messi 29´

3-0 Messi 45´
3-1 Güiza 58´

3-2 Nacho 60´
4-2 Gudjohnsen 63´

5-2 Eto´o 74´


FC Barcelona (4-3-3): Joquera - Zambrotta, Marquez, Puyol, Gio - Iniesta (Ezquerro 84´), Xavi, Deco - Gudjohnsen (Oleguer 67´), Eto´o, Messi (saviola 77´) - Manager: Frank Rijkaard


Getafe (4-5-1): Luis Garcia - Cortes, Belenguer, Alexis, Paredes (Pulido 85´)- Mario Cotelo (Pachon 75´), Celestini, Alberto (Güiza 45´), Casquero, Nacho - Manu - Manager: Bernd Schuster


Match Report:
FC Barcelona made a huge move towards the Spanish Cup final with young Leo Messi being the protagonist of the evening win over Getafe. Barca is travelling to madrid for the second leg with a 5-2 advantage.


Messi was the hero of the evening. First he assisted Xavi with the opener, just to score a Maradona-like goal to put Barca 2-0 upfront. He added his second (also a beauty) just before halftime.


0-0 at halftime break and a very entertaining Barca show left every viewer believing that the match was already over. After dominating the opening half, suddenly Getafe was back into the game. Two goals by Guiza and Nacho cut the margin down to only 1 goal (3-2).


In minute 63 Gudjohnsen volleyed a corner from about 12 meters into the net.


On minute 74, Xavi set up Eto'o who fired the ball home. 5-2!


Leo Messi, the hero of the this superb football night, received a deserved standing ovation when he was substituted for Javier Saviola for the last 15 minutes.


My Comment:

FC Barcelona coach Frank Rijkaard started with a very offensive line-up. Andres Iniesta, Xavi and Deco build a creative midfield and Messi, Gudjohnsen and Samuel Eto´o build the attacking line.


A wonderful football evening that had it all. Several fantastic goals, with Messi probably scoring the goal of the season. An exciting lead at halftime and the shocking 2 goals that brought Getafe back into the game. Finally a great and very entertaining 5-2 victory that pushed the door to the final wide, wide open.


I am having a beer now! Cheers!