‘Barca is Christmas come early’

CF Cartagena chief executive Fran de Paula has described drawing Barcelona in the Copa del Rey as ‘Christmas come a month-and-a-half early’.

The Segunda Division B outfit have been rewarded for their progression to the Round of 32 of the Cup competition with a two-legged tie in December against the current Primera Division leaders.

“It is as if we have hit the jackpot, that Christmas has come a month-and-a-half early,” De Paula has enthused to reporters today.

“It’s a gift to have Barcelona as an adversary and now we must enjoy this tie.

“Barcelona were one of the clubs that we wanted to play. Obviously they were one that we had hoped for and the fans must enjoy this, it will be unique.”