Game Recap: Girona FC 0-2 Barcelona B

La Liga has now ended, but Liga Adelante continues for another two weeks. But there have been a lot of things decided already. Real Betis will move back to La Primera Division, as will Rayo Vallecano. Albacete, Ponferradina and Tenerife are already relegated (there goes their derby with Las Palmas). Of course, no matter how good Barcelona B does, they cannot be promoted for the simple reason that the parent club is there. Accusations of collusion will start flying around before you know it. But I digress...

In Week 40, Barcelona B traveled the short distance to Estadi Montilivi in Girona, for a Catalan derby, second division style, against Girona FC. Both teams had really nothing to play for, as discussed above, Barca B cannot be promoted and Girona FC were stuck at midtable, clear of relegation but well off the playoff spots for a shot to qualify for promotion.

Once again, Barcelona B were missing their best players, thanks to Pep Guardiola resting his starters for the Champions League final against Manchester United. That was evident early as the hosts created the early chances. Chechu took advantage of a very lax Barcelona defense as he strode into the box before shooting wide. He had another opportunity that was blocked, but against the run of play, Barca B took the lead. Edu Oriol took advantage of some very loose marking by the hosts and cut the ball back inside the six-yard box which was turned in by Marcos Tebar, who tried to clear the danger but instead scuffed it into his own net. 1-0 to the visitors.

Girona FC pressed forward in search of the equalizer, and they nearly found it as Chechu cut in from the right and unleashed a left-foot shot that had Barca B keeper Masip beaten, but bounced off the woodwork. Just before the half, the ball fell to Moha but his left-footed shot was just wide of the far post. Barcelona B was one goal to the good at halftime, although a little undeservedly.

As the second half began, gaps began to appear in Girona's back line in their search for an equalizer and Rafa Alcantara nearly secured the points but had his shot flash just wide. A dangerous cross from the left flank was cleared by Muniesa before it got to Kiko Raton who was just behind him. Finally, with 8 minutes in normal time left, Barca B finished the game off. Benja worked a little give and go with Jonathan Soriano and Barca's top scorer sent a delightful chip into the box that Benja drilled home with aplomb.

Barcelona B moves into 4th place while Girona FC kisses their mathematical hopes of promotion goodbye.