Jose Manuel Pinto gets the nod as FC Barcelona take decision on Jorquera's replacement.



The Celta Vigo keeper has long been associated with the Catalan giants after the initial list of Santi Cañizares, Sander Westerveld and even Jens Lehmann was not producing any likely replacement for injured Albert Jorquera. The safe hands, who has also featured regularly in top rated matches over the past years will be jetting to Camp Nou for a medical, after which, if successful, will earn him a six month loan deal with FC Barcelona. The agreement will have an option of conversion to full time keeper status in the event that reserve keeper Albert Jorquera doesn't recover from his injury during the summer transfer season. Pinto is expected to provide adequate cover for first choice at Barca, Victor Valdes, and the Celta Vigo keeper who is top form, will also not be a bad bet to fill in Valdes gloves when the need arises, even if the occassion is not a Copa del Rey encounter. Jorquera was the top choice for Copa del Rey matches as well as Copa Catalunya and other tournaments, while Valdes is the first choice for the La Liga and Champions League matches.


Both Valdes and Pinto are expected to compliment each other very much, as the 32 year old Pinto prepares to become a member of the Blaugrana family, a thing he may not have thought could be possible this year.

FC Barcelona goalkeeper Victor Valdés blocked the few Benfica chances supperbly on this evening. Benfica had few opportunities to score, the best of them coming in the second half from Miccoli and then Simao, who had the best chance ten minutes before the final whistle. The Barca goalkeeper Valdes put in an excellent performance and avoided an undeserved shock result. Victor Valdes comment just after the match:
"In the return match at Camp Nou, we'll have to make better use of the chances we create. Benfica pressed only in the second half. They played fast and direct. I'm happy with the way things went. There are 90 minutes to go and I believe we'll go through to the semi-finals. The Benfica goalkeeper Moretto was very good. In my opinion, and according to what I could see from my position, Motta's handball was involuntary".