Pidasa FC Santa Coloma were proclaimed 2010/11 League Champions yesterday. Xavi Estruch’s and Juli Fernández’s men won their match against Escale UE Santa Coloma by a small margin (1-0), but they benefited mostly from the tie between Matecosa UE Sant Julià and FC Lusitans la Posa (1-1). As a result, Santa Coloma did not have to wait until the last match day in order to be declared champions, when they would have played Sant Julià.

For the second consecutive year, Santa Coloma are now in line to play in the First Round of the UEFA Champions League next summer and, on the other hand, Sant Julià will play in the First Round of the European League as a second-placed team.

Afternoon characterized by mobiles, suffering and emotion

The two play-off matches for the title were theoretically supposed to be played at the same time, but the three referees from France who had to blow their whistles in Alas had problems arriving on time for the 12:00 midday match.  As a result, the match between Matecosa UE Sant Julià and FC Lusitans la Posa (in second and third place) started 40 minutes late.

If the afternoon was already expected to be characterized by a lot of communication between mobile phones, the delay and the uncertainty increased the number of mobile calls – once the team beat Escale – amongst those who wanted to know whether or not they would become the Champions. Finally the news that came from Alàs at 2:30pm brought smiles to Santa Coloma’s faces now that they have  the sixth League win in their pockets.

With 14 victories, 4 ties and one defeat (46 points), Santa Coloma were able to achieve a 4 point advantage against Sant Julià just one match day before the final match of the Championship. The good play-off numbers (4 victories and one tie) were key in declaring Pidasa the League Champions.  

Beto scores his 14th overall goal against Escale

The only goal on behalf of Santa Coloma arrived in the 32nd minute of play with a goal by Beto Urbani, making it his 14th goal overall. It was a set play where Juli served a foul from the right lane and Beto rebounded the ball with his head to the first post. Even though Santa Coloma were left with only 10 men in the 67th minute when Oriol Fité received his second yellow card, the team had to endure – learning from experience – until the final whistle.

Both teams played very directly during the first half of the match. In regards to goals, Pidasa did not take advantage of a good opportunity to advance their lead with a head rebound shot by Renato to the second post – originating with a center shot by Samïr- which was lost, licking the right post of Rivas’ goal area. The second half was characaterized by game lock and counter attacks. On behalf of Lluis Miquel Aloy’s men, the always fiery Jordi Rubio miscalculated a cross shot in the 80th minute in a play he created himself. In regards to Pidasa, Alejandro was forgiving in a hand to hand play with Ribas in the 89th minute. In the end, the three points and the league were in the bag.

Lusitans advanced in Alàs

Lusitans dominated the first half with a goal by Leo in the 41st minute. The team took advantage of a good pass from Raya to overcome Perianes with a cross shot. Sant Julià were left with 10 players when defence player, Yael, received his second yellow card early in the match in the 26th minute. In the second half, Da Silva touched a rebound with his hands inside Jacques’ goal area in the 74th minute and Quim Salvat was responsible for bringing the score to a tie with a maximum penalty. With ten against ten, Sant Julià were unable to earn their three points and Lusitans’ Martins was also expelled during the final part for two yellow cards in the 89th minute.

FC Casa Benfica will play in the Second Division again

In addition to the Championship, it was also decided which First Division team will be relegated to Second Division. The match between the two last placed teams in the First Division, FC Encamp and FC Casa Benfica, finished in favor of Encamp with a final score of 4-1. Benfica, however, will return to Second Division next season. Encamp, on the other hand, assured themselves a place in the Promotion Play-off to find out whether or not they will play in the First Division. Also, CE Principat are now the best team of the lower part of the rankings, winning their match against Inter Club Escaldes 4-1.