The Catalonia national team secured a 2-0 victory over Costa Rica in a match that showcased the spirit of Catalan football at the Estadi Johan Cruyff. Two Barcelona players, Eric Garcia and Pau Víctor, were part of the starting lineup, while Barcelona president Joan Laporta, along with players Gerard Martín and Marc Casadó, watched from the stands.
A Festive Atmosphere at the Estadi Johan Cruyff
Gerard López’s team triumphed with two second-half goals in this celebratory match marking the 125th anniversary of the Catalan Football Federation. A crowd of 5,352 spectators filled the stadium to witness this special event. Though Costa Rica initially dominated possession and posed more of an attacking threat, the Catalan team gradually found its rhythm.
The match served as preparation for Costa Rica’s upcoming World Cup qualifiers and the Gold Cup, and the Central American side came out strong in the opening minutes. However, despite their early dominance, Costa Rica’s efforts began to fade as the game progressed.
Eric Garcia and Pau Víctor in Action
Despite only having one training session together, the Catalonia team’s superior quality began to shine through. Eric Garcia was solid in defense, bringing the ball out from the back, while Pau Víctor, playing on the left, contributed significantly to the attack. Both were substituted at halftime, but not before they helped maintain control of the game.
Catalonia’s Second-Half Dominance
After the break, nine new players entered the field for Catalonia, and the team created numerous scoring opportunities, especially with their pace on the wings. The match quickly became one-sided, with Catalonia showing no signs of needing extra time or penalties to secure the win.
Goals from Roca and Aleñà Seal the Victory
Espanyol’s Antoniu Roca broke the deadlock in the 71st minute, finishing a well-worked team move with a shot from the edge of the area (1-0). As the game neared its end, Carles Aleñà, a product of La Masía, sealed the victory by heading in a cross from Jofre Carreras, making it 2-0.
With the final whistle, Catalan football was celebrated in front of an enthusiastic crowd, and the team’s triumph was a fitting way to commemorate this milestone in Catalan football history.
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