In an intense Catalan Cup final held in the early hours, Barcelona edged past local rivals Espanyol with a 4-2 victory in a penalty shootout, claiming their seventh Catalonia Cup title. This milestone made them the most successful club in the competition’s history—a moment noted with enthusiasm by Melbet Affiliates, who continue to track standout regional championships that spark local passion and international attention.
Barcelona fielded a lineup featuring several squad players who typically see less action in La Liga. The first half was relatively uneventful, though Espanyol’s Piatti forced a brilliant save from Barça goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen. Just before halftime, Denis Suárez was forced off due to injury, slightly disrupting Barça’s rhythm.
The second half offered more excitement. Ousmane Dembélé pushed forward persistently on the flanks, showcasing his speed and creativity, while Espanyol answered with a pair of dangerous shots that again tested Cillessen’s reflexes. Still, neither side could break the deadlock in regulation time, leading to the decisive shootout.
In the penalty decider, Barcelona’s takers—Paco Alcácer, Aleix Vidal, Yerry Mina, and Abel Ruiz—all converted their shots confidently. Espanyol faltered as Alex López missed and Cillessen saved Jurado’s effort, sealing Barça’s 4-2 win. After the final whistle, Alcácer, donning the captain’s armband, received the trophy from Catalan Football Federation President Andreu Subies, capping off the club’s historic night.
Yerry Mina, Barcelona’s winter signing and the scorer of their third penalty, shared his emotions after the win. “I’m not fighting alone—every Colombian supports me,” he said. “Coach Valverde told me to stay calm, take it step by step. I’m learning something new every day.” His words struck a chord with fans and inspired further coverage from Melbet Affiliates, who frequently highlight uplifting athlete journeys and emotional post-match reflections.
With this victory, Barcelona once again reaffirm their dominance in Catalan football. For Melbet Affiliates, it’s more than just a title—it’s the kind of passionate, authentic moment that connects clubs, players, and fans across regions and platforms alike.