Spanish third-tier minnows Villanovense enjoyed the most famous night of their history as they held an under-strength Barcelona 0-0 in the first leg of their Copa del Rey tie on Wednesday.
Villanovense play at the same level as Barca’s B team in the regional second division Segunda B, but they more than held their own in a game of very few chances and came closest to scoring just before halftime when Victor Calatrava’s flick flew just over the bar.
The sides meet again for the right to reach the round-of-16 at the Camp Nou on Dec. 2.
Photo: AP
“I think we had the right attitude and I am satisfied with what I saw,” Barca boss Luis Enrique said. “I expected to win the game, that is what we came here to do. We had some chances, although they weren’t clear-cut. The result is what it is and now we have the second leg still to play.”
Villanovense captain Angel Pazuelo had to fight back tears of pride as he hailed his side’s defiance against the European champions.
“I don’t think you noticed the difference between the Primera and Segunda B. We gave everything,” Pazuelo told Canal Plus. “It is a dream come true to play against the best club in the world at this moment. We are very happy. The objective isn’t accomplished because we want to play a good game in Barcelona.”
Enrique made nine changes to the side that beat Sociedad Deportiva Eibar 3-1 at the weekend, with Marc Bartra and Sandro Ramirez the only two players to keep their places. Five Barca players were making their first start of the season, including Cameroonian midfielder Wilfrid Kaptoum, who made his first-team debut.
Barca goalkeeper Jordi Masip said the result was more the fruit of brave Villanovense defending than a missed opportunity for Barca’s youngsters to make their case for more playing time.
“I think we played well, but we have to congratulate Villanovense. They defended very well,” Masip said. “I don’t think it was a bad game on our part because we created chances, it just wasn’t to be. Now we need to resolve the game at home.”
Roared on by a capacity crowd of just under 4,000, the hosts started brightly and had the first attempt on goal when Pablo Angel Moraga fired just wide of the far post.
Masip was also forced into the first save of the game when he collected Elias Perez’s effort.
However, the visitors slowly began to take control of the game as Gerard Gumbau flashed a shot wide, before Munir El Haddadi ought to have opened the scoring when he failed to hit the target from close range.
Villanovense’s chance for glory came just before the break when Victor Calatrava acrobatically flicked on a corner at the near post and the ball flew just over with Masip beaten.
Barca had the better chances after the break when Sandro’s pile-driver went just over and another debutant, substitute Aitor Cantalapiedra, had a strong penalty appeal turned down.
Villanovense had to rely on goalkeeper Jose Fuentes for the first time in the final 10 minutes as he made smart stops from Bartra and El Haddadi, but the hosts held out for a famous result.
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