Chivas Tops Barca Before Record SoFla Crowd

Over 70,000 turn out for soccer match at Sun Life

Marco Fabian scored twice within a two-minute span midway through the second half to lead Chivas of Mexico to a 4-1 victory over Barcelona before a record South Florida soccer crowd of 70,080 at Sun Life Stadium Wednesday night.

"I am not surprised by Chivas' performance," Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola said. "Mexican football is very dynamic and entertaining."

Chivas broke through with three goals during a 12-minute sequence against the Champions League winners and erased a 1-0 halftime deficit.

"This is a dream come true, to score not one but two goals against a great team like Barcelona," said Fabian, a 22-year-old forward in his fifth season with Chivas. "Life continues but this is something I will cherish."

Fabian tied the match in the 60th minute with a blast from 30 yards out. Two minutes later, Omar Arellano's centering pass from the right wing found Fabian open near the far post. Fabian jumped and converted on a scissors kick from eight yards.

"I liked to practice that shot," Fabian said of his second goal. "Thank God, it went in and hopefully it will be the first of many to come."

Chivas went ahead 3-1 on Giovani Casillas' goal in the 72nd minute. Jesus Sanchez sped past the Barcelona backline and centered a pass to an open Casillas, who beat Pinto with a shot just inside the 6-yard box.

"Our team was able to capitalize on its opportunities," Chivas coach Jose Luis Real said. "Even in the first half, we had our chances. I was very proud how we kept our composure when the shots didn't go in."

Jose Luis Verduzco scored Chivas' fourth goal in the 90th minute.

David Villa scored Barcelona's goal in the third minute. Gerard Pique sent a long pass to an open Villa, who dribbled a couple of yards into the area and blasted a shot that landed under the crossbar and past Chivas goalkeeper Luis Michel.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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