FCBARCELONA.CAT

30.08.2009 20:00

Barça Atlètic lose opener (3-0)

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Barça Atlètic were unable to make the start to the season that they had hoped for as they were beaten by a Badalona side that imposed themselves on the game and used the counter-attack to great effect.

Luis Enrique's side struggled to cope with the pressure from the home team and as the midfield became bogged down with tackles going in and not much space Barça lost out. Badalona opened the scoring after just 16 minutes with a breakaway move that was finished off by Iván Mateo. Despite that the Blaugrana did not let their heads drop and just three minutes later Benja had a chance to draw level, but as the ball hit the net the referee disallowed the effort.

Intense pressure

Badalona pushed up field and stopped Barça from being able to pass the ball around in their familiar style and the lack of space stifled Luis Enrique's players. Former Barça starlet David Prats had three good chances to give Badalona a more commanding lead going into the break and he did just that at the third time of asking as he netted in the 42nd minute.

A third goal

After the restart, Barça were able to enjoy more possession but they were still unable to find a way through and Iván Mateo once again punished them as he netted Badalona's third of the game and his second. In the closing minutes substitute Marc Bartra had a great chance following an individual move, but was unable to reduce the arrears.