05.09.2009 21:08
Barça earn first point (1-1)
www.fcbarcelona.cat
FC Barcelona Atlètic earned a point from their opening home match in the Miniestadi as they were held by Mallorca B. Jonathan Soriano gave the hosts a very early lead, but were pegged by a goal from Sergi midway through the second period.
In the second game of the season, the Blaugrana gave debuts to Marc Muniesa and Jonathan dos Santos
but were still unable to claim victory.
Jonathan opens the scoring
It took Luis Enrique’s side just two minutes to score the first
goal however as Soriano pounced on a mistake by Mallorca’s keeper Nauzet to slide in the
opener. It was the former Espanyol forward’s first goal for Barça as he had not scored in
pre-season and set up the team for what they felt would be a morale-boosting victory.
Balearic pressure
Marc Bartra then went close to doubling the advantage with a firm header while at the other
end Mallorca did apply pressure when they were able to as they stepped forward when the home team
had the ball.
Working hard
In the centre of Barça Atlètic’s midfield Dos Santos and Thiago
Alcántara worked tirelessly as they covered several kilometers to try and help build attacks and
that industry almost paid off when Rochina saw a cross-cum-shot almost drift in that the keeper
would not have reached. Mallorca were building too and Sergi had a chance to level before the
break.
Chances to win
Edu Oriol and Soriano combined in the second period to create a chance while Rochina and
Muniesa both had headers that could have clinched the points for Barça, but they were unable to
convert.
Mallorca level
Tiredness in the home team’s display then became a factor and Martí almost took
advantage as he pushed up but the equalizer came just after the hour mark when Sergi met a pass
from Martí and steered home.
Late opportunities
After seeing the visitors draw level, Barça almost lost the game as
Mallorca hit the woodwork and then had two chances that Dos Santos, Miño and Espasandín combined to
keep out. Next week Luis Enrique’s team will be looking for their first win when Benidorm
visit.
Match stats
Barça Atlètic, 1
RCD Mallorca B, 1
Barça Atlètic: Miño, Sobregrau, Espasandín, Bartra, Muniesa, Romeu (Rueda,
min.68), Rochina (Benja, min.80), Jonathan dos Santos, Jonathan Soriano (Elvis, min.63), Thiago,
Edu Oriol.
RCD Mallorca B: Nauzet, Ximo, Kevin, Truyols, Vázquez, Alberto, Rubén (Dani,
min.59), Pina, Sergi, Xisco (Jaime, min.59), Martí (Dídac, min.87).
Goals: 1-0, Jonathan Soriano (2’); 1-1, Sergi (62’).
Referee: Ignacio Hermosilla Aleñá