FC Barcelona didn’t put on a brilliant display in the first leg of the Spanish Cup matchup against Alaves (currently playing in the 3rd division). Without Xavi and Messi, goals from Villa, Iniesta and Cesc Fábregas were enough to secure the win.
David Villa confirmed his great form of the moment, scoring before half time (40′) after a brilliant ball from Iniesta, which he controlled brilliantly at the top of the penalty box before striking it in the net.
5 Minutes after half time, Iniesta shot a magnificent strike, very similar to the one he scored against Chelsea a few years back, to give a 2 goals advantage for Barça.
Fábregas secured the win with a goal right before the end of regulation (87′), turning the return leg at the Camp Nou into what should be a formality.
Key factors
Barça’s superiority.
Barcelona dominated from start to finish, and forced his opponent to run after the ball constantly.
Alavés kept up for 40 minutes. The squad trained by Gonzalez Natxo held up for 40 minutes against a far superior team… before Villa scored
Iniesta, Villa, Cesc … Playing against players who have been World and European Champions, and playing at their best… very little can be done.
About the match
Copa del Rey
October 30th, 2012
Mendizorroza,
Referee: Texeira Vitienes, J.A.
Attendance: 19.840
Goals
0-1 Villa (40′)
0-2 Iniesta (50′)
0-3 Cesc (88′)
Video of the goals
Click here to watch the highlights
Starting lineups
Alaves
1. Iturrioz
2. Rubio
4. Hernández
5. Agustín
3. M.García
90. J. Delgado
8. Beobide
7. Guzmán
10. J.García (14. Sendoa 71′)
11. Asier (15. Luismi 71′)
9. Viguera (16. Llamas 82′)
FC Barcelona
13. Pinto
2. Alves
15. Bartra
14. Mascherano
19. Montoya
28. Roberto
16. Sergio Busquets (25. Song 55′)
8. Iniesta (29. J. Dos Santos 75′)
9. Alexis
4. Cesc Fàbregas
7. Villa (37. Tello 70′)
Cards
Yellow cards
Guzmán (61′)
Luismi (83′)