Liga Nacional: Primera División 07/08
Deportivo Alavés News
"Ten Man Alavés Stun Barcelona"
Astudillo and Deco Clash
Day 7:
Alavés 3
Nene 15' Astudillo 55' Jandro 74'
(
Nuno Morais Sent Off)
Barcelona 1
Iniesta 49'
Barcelona went into this match on a run of six straight wins. However, Professor Nutmeg's side weren't going to be overawed by the Catalan giants. What followed is surely to be one of the most memorable matches of the season.
Barcelona had clearly underestimated their opposition and it was realised in the 15th minute when Nene netted the home side's first goal to send the crowd into a frenzy.
Early in the 2nd half, Nuno Morais was judged to have cynically brought down Ronaldinho. The referee brandished a straight red at the Portuguese defender. Irate at the referee's hasty decision, El Professor had to be cautioned by the 4th official, and told to return to his team's bench. From the ensuing free kick, Barcelona got their equaliser. Ronaldinho went for goal with a whipped in effort. Having beaten Ardouin in goal, it rebounded off the post and back into the path of Iniesta, who made no mistake with a close range header.
With Alavés down to 10 men and Barcelona drawing level, it looked to be a bumpy ride for the home team in the second half. But in the 55th minute, Astudillo lashed in a bullet from just outside the box, beating Valdés with its sheer ferocity, as it found its way through the crowded box.
Frank Rijkaard's response was to bring on more forwards, effectively playing a 3-3-4 formation, featuring Ronaldinho, Ezquerro, Eto'o and Giuly and later Messi. This left the visitors vulnerable from counter attacks.
Alavés sealed all 3 points with their 3rd goal in the 74th minute, Jandro's slightest touch of a header bamboozling Valdés.
Ronaldinho: Dismayed
With this win, the small Basque club subjected Barcelona to a humiliating defeat and ended their run of 6 straight victories from the opening day. Surely a night the Mendizorroza will remember for years to come.
In a post-match press conference, El Professor later said:
"It was clear they underestimated us, after all, we are only a small club who have just won promotion to the Primera Division. But we showed great resilience, organisation and determination, even after Nuno Morais' sending off. And yes, we will be appealing against his red card"
The win sees Alavés move up into 6th position in the table.
Watch Super Extended Highlights 27Mb (includes all build up play)
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