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F.C. Barcelona - A.C. Sparta, 26/12/1921

Author: Isaque Argolo | Creation Date: 2023-08-14 22:56:45

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The second match between A.C. Sparta and F.C. Barcelona, another clash that would be seen in front of the new Estadio Catalán, with yet another spectacular audience that would honor a beautiful meeting between two of the best teams on the European continent. In the first match, the Czechs had won by 3:2, in a true clash of styles, completely poor soil and a very sunny day.
Due to the lack of rest, many players would not be able to go through all the minutes of the match with the same enthusiasm that was inherent in them, no. Furthermore, another hot day held hostage the clash between two powers of their respective countries.
For this match, there were no changes in the A.C. Sparta squad. F.C. Barcelona, on the other hand, added three new players to the field, emphasizing the exceptional Vincente Piera.
The teams entered the field under the command of referee Agustín Cruella.
International match: 26/12/1921, Monday, 11:00. F.C. Barcelona — A.C. Sparta 0:2 (0:0) Place: Estadio Catalán, Barcelona — Referee: Agustín Cruella (Barcelona). Linesmen: ? Attendance: about 25.000. F.C. Barcelona Coach: Jack Greenwell. XI: Zamora — Planas, Berger — Torralba, Sancho, Samitier — Cella, Piera, Gracia, Alcántara(c), Sagi-Barba. A.C. Sparta Coach: John Dick. XI: Peyr — Hojer, Pospíšil — Kolenatý, Káďa(c), Perner — Sedláček, Janda, Meduna, Kocourek, Mazal. Goals: Planas[penalty] and Alcántara.
Sunday's tough match, played with tremendous vigor, was greatly felt by both sides. The hard terrain shook the muscles to the point where they could barely walk properly. And this happened more to the Spartans. Early in the match, the half-back line was weakened with injuries to Káďa and Perner. However, Káďa still performed well; Perner was quite weak in the match.
As for the Czech captain's injury, it was in a direct clash with the other centre-half, Sancho, who heroically continued playing. They put a band on the Spaniard's head. Apparently, such an event caused a certain euphoria in him. He was playing with the bloodstained band — and it had the public completely frantic.
The second game was played with great fervor. There were, once again, several complaints about the style of play the referee was allowing in the match. Even the Catalans themselves mentioned that the penalty given by Cruella was clearly unfair. Regarding this, a local sports chronicle wrote:
— Piera who is playing magnificently advances quickly towards the Czech gate. Two opposing players join him dangerously, but he dodges them and they are the ones who hit each other enormously. The public screams, Cruella exceeds and awards a penalty that is unjustified in our opinion. The foul against Piera was never committed and the only thing that could be whistled was a free-kick for dangerous play.
Regarding Agustín Cruella's performance, the report was written:
— What did not convince us was the penalty with which he punished the Czechs.
When the players were leaving the field, someone hit Míra Pospíšil in the side so that he fell down and had to be taken away by an ambulance. The matter was immediately investigated by the police.
In a telegraph sent by President Ferdinand Scheinost, his indignation at the events of the second match is completely clear, alleging strong accusations and misconduct by the Spanish public.
On the side of A.C. Sparta: The defense excelled once again. Kolenatý was the best half-back. Of the forwards, Janda performed well.
F.C. Barcelona: Sancho played a heroic match. Samitier and Piera were outstanding.