FCBARCELONA.CAT

24.09.2008 19:20

Leader too good for Barça Atlètic (2-0)

www.fcbarcelona.cat

Barça Atlètic have lost to Villarreal B in their fifth league fixture. Verdés, with own goal, and Joan Tomàs scored in what amounts to the third defeat for Luis Enrique’s side this season.

Third road trip and third defeat for Barça Atlètic, who are still struggling to find their feet away from the Miniestadi. But this time they did it against the side that tops the table, Villarreal B, who sentenced the tie with two second half goals.

Even start

The first half saw both sides enjoy a number of chances, but none of them were transformed into goals. There may have been rhythm and intensity, but there was a lack of accuracy in the finishing.

Unfortunate goal

In the second half, the game continued along similar lines, until Verdés scored an own goal to put the home side into the driving seat. It was a most unfortunate incident, with the Barça man trying to clear a cross but turning the ball into his own net.

Game opens up

Villarreal B were boosted by the goal and starting looking much the better side. Barça meanwhile, stuck to their usual system, but failed to find the luck they needed. Then a Villarreal free kick from close to the corner flag was tucked away by Joan Tomàs to make it 2-0. Luis Enrique sent on Rayo to try to bolster the attack, and the substitute soon scored, but the referee disallowed the goal due to an earlier infringement.