But, unfortunately, it was a case of a game too soon in terms of exciting forward play, with Spanish giants Barcelona and Portugal’s Madeiran side Mar?timo both claiming rustiness as the reason for their failure to find the net in 90 minutes.
Barcelona eventually triumphed 5-4 in the penalty shootout, to draw level with Jersey’s senior Island side on three points each at the top of the table.
Last night’s match was undoubtedly one that promised more than it delivered, but the quality of the approach play and general passing in midfield was undeniably excellent.
A Patrick Viera look-and-play-alike in Mar?timo’s Balu impressed in the first-half, with Barca’s Victor, Casado and Songo’o also catching the eye with their movement and thrust.
Both sides were acutely aware of the importance of the result, however, and only a handful of chances were created to register the goal that could have ignited the evening for a crowd approaching 1,000.
Mar?timo substitute Ruben was denied by an excellent diving save by Miquel, while team-mate Helder missed a free header at the far post, both in the second half, while Barca’s best chance came when Pedro Ledesma’s effort beat Fernandes, but was cleared off the line by a defender after Songo’o had created rare confusion in the Mar?timo defence.
Full report in today’s JEP.
