FC Barcelona – Girona FC : Into the final of the Copa Catalunya (1-0)

Barça are in the final of this season’s Copa Catalaunya. The B team overcame Second Division A side Girona, the tier above Gerard López’s team in the league, at home in the Miniestadi on Wednesday in what is a morale boosting victory for the filial. The blaugranes had the better of the game but had to wait until the 86th minute for Àlex Carbonell to finally break the deadlock after good work from Sergi Samper.

Coach López welcomed back to the side Samper and Gerard Gumbau after both had in the first team squad for their win at the weekend over Villarreal. The first half saw the home side take the initiative and Barça B were unlucky not to go in at the break a goal up. Campins and Gumbau both tested Germán in goal for Girona but half time came with the score goalless between the two sides.

Late winner

At the beginning of the second half, Germán was called into action again, a shot from Maxi Rolón just pushed around the post to keep the scores level. Girona boss Pablo Machin made six substitutions in the second half and it seemed the fresh legs would allow his side to hold Barça B for a penalty shoot out. However, up popped blaugrana substitute Carbonell with just four minutes remaining to finish coolly into the corner after picking up an excellent pass from Sergi Samper. There was still time for Barça keeper Ortolà to make an excellent save from Carles Mas’ header to make sure Gerard López’s side kept their date with either Rubí or Sabadell in the final on 8 December.