The Copa del Rey is the competition which allows small clubs to dream. Linares showed that when, against all the odds, they drew first blood against a Barcelona side who did not see it coming.
Even though Xavi Hernandez's men dominated possession, Alberto Gonzalez's men did not show any fear at all. As a result of crosses into the area, the Andalusians wanted to target Barca's Achilles heel: their defence.
In a textbook counterattack, Carnicer put in a perfect cross for Hugo Diaz and he headed home unmarked to beat Neto.
Barca were very weak in defence and there was a lack of communication between Mingueza and Eric Garcia. That led to Diaz being completely unmarked in the box.
January 5, 2022