From FC Barcelona.com Cup shock as Barca crash out Wednesday 11 September 2002 21:40 (BCN) For the second year running, Barca fell at the first hurdle of the Spanish Cup as third division Novelda pulled of a shock 3-2 win tonight . Hat trick hero Madrigal got all three for the home team, whilst Geovanni put Barca ahead on 7 minutes and Riquelme drew them level at 2-2 from the penalty spot in the second half. It really was a tale of two halves as Barca dominated the first 45 minutes and went in at half time looking comfortable at 0-1 before being rocked on their heels as the home team first drew level, then went ahead 2-1. Rochemback almost immediately won a penalty which Riquelme made no mistake putting away and it looked as if Barca’s superiority would soon overcome Novelda’s brave efforts. However, it was Novelda striker Madrigal who broke the deadlock, as he headed a far post cross past Enke from close range. The ref added five minutes injury time and just as he was about to blow, Xavi seemed to have taken the game into extra time, but his goal was adjudged off side and Barca’s cup run was over.
More info for you on Cup match incase you need it.... http://www.soccernet.com/europe/news/2002/0911/20020911spainreps.html
As I stated before the season, no way can Barça stick with a three man defense. Especially if you have F de Boer marshelling it. And then disaster strikes if Reiziger comes in (and it did). The only way it would work is if Barça had a goalkeeper like Kahn or Toldo (but of course Barça missed out on Toldo, stupid stupid).
Hey maybe you Cules will get lucky and win the Copa de Catalunya this year. Now that Gaspart and the boys will play 6-8 less games due to their early exit in the Copa. Saludos y viva er eurobeti manque alfonso y lopera! Pichi
Looks like De Boer's keeping the Dutch Voetbal tradition of public diarrhea of the mouth. Too bad Gullit & Cruyff still have more on field talent in their fingernail clippings than De Boer bros combined. Great work, Frank. Way to boost team morale.
OK, one, that's not helpful Frank. If you want to get ridden out of town, just keep talking. Enke will save Frank's rear a few times this year, I wonder if FDB will be so candid when that happens? Hmmm? Two, this club hasn't been excited about the Copa Del Rey for a long time. I don't know what it is, but the team just doesn't seem to care. NOT that its an excuse, because as professionals they should be somewhat ashamed to keep faking it in that competition. Three, as Juanele alludes to, Gaspart shouldn't be looking for another striker...he should be looking for a defender or solid defensive sub for crucial late game situations. Four, I'm on vacation all next week. Yahoo! See ya when I get back... jay