Manresa and Sant Andreu play out goalless Copa del Rey tie

CE Manresa and Sant Andreu could not be separated after 120 minutes of Copa del Rey football on 28 October 2026, with the match finishing 0-0 before Sant Andreu advanced 4-3 on penalties. It was a tense, tactical cup tie in which both defences dominated and clear chances were at a premium.

Manresa, playing at home, produced a disciplined and courageous display against more experienced opponents. Sant Andreu controlled more of the ball, but they struggled to turn possession into genuine openings as the game wore on and fatigue began to affect the quality of the final pass.

Match overview

The visitors set the early tempo, moving the ball patiently and trying to pull Manresa’s compact defensive block out of position. Manresa responded with a low block and quick counter-attacks, and the home side came closest to breaking the deadlock in the first half when a driven shot flashed just wide of the far post.

After the break, Sant Andreu increased the pressure and forced a series of corners, but Manresa’s goalkeeper handled the aerial threat well. Extra time brought more space in midfield, yet neither side could find the finishing touch. The tie went to penalties, where Sant Andreu held their nerve to progress.

Key moments

• 18th minute: Manresa’s first counter-attack ended with a low effort that narrowly missed the target.
• 34th minute: Sant Andreu’s midfielder curled a free kick over the crossbar from a promising position.
• 57th minute: A goalmouth scramble in the Manresa box ended with a brave block from a home defender.
• 74th minute: Manresa’s goalkeeper made a sharp save at the near post to keep the score level.
• 105th minute: Sant Andreu headed wide from a corner as extra time opened up.
• Penalty shootout: Sant Andreu converted 4-3 to seal their place in the next round.

Tactical story

Sant Andreu’s approach was based on possession and patient buildup, but Manresa’s defensive structure made it difficult for them to find pockets of space between the lines. The home side defended narrowly, forced Sant Andreu wide and then looked to break quickly through the channels.

As the match moved into extra time, the tactical discipline on both sides remained impressive. Manresa were content to defend deeper and wait for set pieces or counters, while Sant Andreu pushed their full-backs higher in search of a winner. In the end, the shootout was a fitting conclusion to a tie defined by defensive organisation and small margins.

Standout performers

Manresa’s goalkeeper was excellent throughout, commanding his area and making the key save in normal time. The home side’s central defenders also produced a resilient display, while Sant Andreu’s midfield trio kept the team ticking and ensured the visitors stayed patient during long spells without a breakthrough.

What the result means

Sant Andreu move on in the Copa del Rey, but they will know they were pushed all the way by a determined Manresa side. For Manresa, the exit is painful, yet the performance underlined their ability to compete against stronger opposition. The goalless draw will be remembered as a night of fine goalkeeping, disciplined defending and penalty-kick drama.