Liceo Reaches Copa del Rey Final After Nail-Biting Semifinal Victory
The Hockey Club Liceo is heading back to the Copa del Rey final after a hard-fought 1-2 victory over Igualada Rigat. The win, secured with a crucial goal from Nil Cervera just five minutes from the complete, marks their return to the final stage three years after their previous appearance.
A Quick Start and Tense Battle
The match at the Pabellón Olímpico del Ateneo Agrícola de Sant Sadurní d’Anoia (Barcelona) saw a lightning-fast start, with Liceo captain ‘Dava’ Torres opening the scoring within the first twenty seconds (0-1, min.1). However, Igualada responded quickly, leveling the score through a penalty converted by Roger Bars in the 5th minute (1-1, min.5) after a blue card to César Carballeira gave them a numerical advantage.
Cervera’s Late Strike Seals the Deal
The game remained tightly contested, with both teams carefully avoiding defensive errors and probing for opportunities on the counterattack. Goalkeepers on both sides proved pivotal in maintaining the deadlock until Nil Cervera’s decisive goal in the 45th minute (1-2, min.45) broke the stalemate.
Final Showdown Set: Liceo vs. Calafell
Liceo will now face Calafell La Menorquina in the final, scheduled for Sunday at 11:45 hours. Calafell reached the final after a surprising victory over Barça in the first semifinal, winning on penalties after a 3-3 draw. This will be an unprecedented final matchup, as the two teams have never before contested the Copa del Rey title.
A Chance to Reclaim the Crown
The Liceo team will be looking to regain the Copa del Rey title, which they last won five years ago. They previously lost in the final to Barça (4-2) in Calafell.
Match Details
Igualada Rigat – HC Liceo, 1-2
- Igualada Rigat: Martinez; Pascual, Bars (1p), Carol, Cañadillas, Llanes, Ruano, Roma, Cardil, Busquets (p.s).
- Hockey Club Liceo: Roca; Cervera (1), Carballeira, David Torres (1), Saavedra, Xaus, Copa, Paiva, Francisco Torres, Rodríguez (p.s).
Goals: 0-1, min.1: ‘Dava’ Torres. 1-1, min.5: Roger Bars (penalty). 1-2, min.45: Nil Cervera.
Referees: David Cantos Bonales and Alberto Pérez Pérez.
FAQ
Q: When is the Copa del Rey final?
A: Sunday at 11:45 hours.
Q: Who is playing in the final?
A: Liceo and Calafell La Menorquina.
Q: Who scored the winning goal for Liceo?
A: Nil Cervera.
Q: Where was the semifinal match played?
A: Pabellón Olímpico del Ateneo Agrícola de Sant Sadurní d’Anoia (Barcelona).
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on Nil Cervera – his late-game heroics have been crucial for Liceo in this tournament.
Stay tuned for updates on the final and further coverage of the Copa del Rey!
