19.11.2010 22:58

A goal and a red card each in the Mini (1-1)

Aida Soriano

FC Barcelona B were unable to move into second place in La Segunda A after they were held to a draw by Recreativo de Huelva in the Miniestadi on Friday evening in a game that both teams ended with ten men.

The hosts took the lead from the penalty spot when Jonathan Soriano netted in the first half, but in the closing minutes the visitors snatched a share of the spoils with an equaliser from Aarón Ñíguez. Along with a goal apiece, Barça and Recre were also shown a red card each too as Armando was sent off and was quickly followed for an early bath by Aarón, who went from hero to villain on the night. Luis Enrique's Blaugrana proved once again why they are enjoying such a successful return to the second tier of Spanish football with another assured performance against a strong Andalucian outfit.

Early chances

A bright start saw Barça press forward and after just five minutes the visitors' keeper, Fabricio, was forced into action to make two saves as Marc Carmona and Marc Bartra both went close to making the breakthrough. When the away team regrouped they sought to test the hosts back line, but found the Blaugrana defence in good form and the game settled down. Soriano tried his luck after 15 minutes while at the other end Rubén Miño watched a drive fly high over his crossbar

Spot on

Chances began to come thick and fast and the game was not even a quarter of the way through. Sergi Roberto found Soriano and he had another shot as the former Espanyol forward showed that he could soon step up to the highest level. Miño was called into action to deny Acuña and soon after the first goal came. Nolito broke into the area on 23 minutes and was fouled by Raúl Cámara which left the referee with no choice but to point to the spot. Soriano stepped forward and made no mistake from 12 yards as he steered the ball past Fabricio and into the net.

Blaugrana control

With the lead secured Barça B took control of proceedings and looked likely to add to their goal as they moved forward. Increasing the tally proved to be difficult however and Luis Enrique was left frustrated on several occasions as he watched his players go close, but without the finish. There were claims after the break for a second penalty when Lamas appeared to handle in the area. Again Miño had to remain focused as Jesús Vázquez forced him into making a stop in the 63rd minute of what had become an entertaining match.

Seeing red

Muniesa suffered an ankle injury with 20 minutes remaining and took the side some time to settle after his exit and the evening took an unexpected turn when a foul right in front of the referee by Armando prompted the official to reach for the red card with nine minutes left on the clock. Recre did not need asking twice within 60 seconds they had drawn level as Aarón beat Miño. The goalscorer was wrapped up in his celebration too much to remember an earlier booking and after taking off his shirt he was shown a second yellow card to bring the number of players on each side to ten.

Points shared

Barça used the remaining time to press for a winner and Bartra could have given them all three points only for his shot to clip the woodwork. A point each was the reward at the end and it ensures that Barça B will remain in the top six for yet another week.