News
SUN 23.08.2015
The FC Barcelona picked up three vital points at San Mames on the opening day of Liga BBVA, where they signed a 0-1 to Athletic Club, that threw away intensity and tactical strength until they received Luis Suarez's goal.
Review the key points of this exciting match:
1. Killer Suarez
The Uruguayan striker has returned to competition in the same way it ended: scoring goals and becoming basic for the Catalan side. Luis Suarez turned Gorka Elustondo mad through the 90 minutes of the match, caused a penalty that did not transformed Leo Messi and opened his scoring account with a winning goal that came with a lethal shot at close range.
2. Physical Wear
The demand imposed by the clash was a great physical and mental strain for the players. There were many chances in the first half, the pressing exerted by the two sides and the changes of pace showed the pressure that exists in a crash of this nature. More if the opponent that you have in front are looking for imbalance, such as Athletic, and if the three points at stake belong to the first day of competition.
3. Gorka Iraizoz saved a penalty to Messi
Despite the defeat, on 31 minutes, Bilbao's goalkeeper starred one of the moments of the match when he guessed Messi's penalty kick and prevented FC Barcelona to step forward from penalty spot. On the next action , after a perfect counterattack by the Catalans, with which they got to the Bilbao's box in just four touches, Iraizoz put again a decisive hand for the final result.
Seventh opening day win in a row in the league for FC Barcelona http://t.co/vgoO4GvdEW #FCBlive pic.twitter.com/zX5p6lFWSK
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) August 23, 2015
4. Iniesta bears the burden of the game
Barcelona's skipper led his team in the mood and especially in footballing terms. In such a difficult ground as San Mamés, where the Catalans fell 4-0 just ten days ago , the possession of the ball and midfield control were at his boots. Iniesta stepped back to the game of FC Barcelona and achieved some calm in the storm of comings and goings signed by the two teams.
5. Alves and Busquets, injured
The victory at San Mamés was bittersweet for Luis Enrique . Two of the key contention players of the team, Dani Alves and Sergio Busquets , went out injured and left Barca´s side in a critical situation . The Brazilian grieved of thigh at 15 minutes into the game and had to be replaced by Sergi Roberto. Just as Busquets, that after an action with Aritz Aduriz , he has to be removed on a stretcher from the field and giving way to Marc Bartra.
© LALIGA - 2015