Match Day 2 saw a very unlucky result for Barcelona B. The young side fell short in a 0-1 defeat to SD Ejea at the Mini Estadi. A very scrambled 6-yard area ended hopes in a clean sheet for Jokin Ezkieta, and in the end a win, as Catala netted one for the away side in the 48th minute. Barca B now sit at 19th place on the table, with zero points out of a possible 6.
The difference:
The line up for the match saw only 3 changes from last week’s 3-1 defeat to Alcoyano. Chumi, Abel Ruiz and Monchu coming in for Jorge Cuenca, Rafa Mujica and Alex Collado respectively. Ejea were coming into this match following their 3-0 win over CD Carinena.
Compared to last week, there was a huge improvement defensively. Mingueza and Chumi undoubtedly are the strongest centre-back pairing the team has at the moment. I believe Garcia Pimienta will continue to play them together. Not only do they have a strong understanding of each other but they both have pace, something that defensive lines tend to lack. The two, previously being co-captains for Juvenil A, showed leadership in orchestrating the back line during the game.
Injury updates and exclusions:
Medical green lights were given to goalkeeper Inaki Pena and right winger Guillem Jaime, but they were not included in the final match squad.
New signing, centre back Ronald Araujo, was not eligible to play.
The opposition were once again strong and violent towards the youngsters. Multiple fouls were made on Riqui Puig, who generated 3 yellow cards towards the Ejea players. Rough play saw forward, Carles Perez, leave the pitch in tears after a challenge was made on the 20-year-old. The first suspicion was that the player had suffered an ankle injury but following medical tests, it is said to be nothing serious. Perez will be monitored in the coming days.
Main problem:
It seems the main issue was their eye for goal. The inclusions of Abel Ruiz and Monchu saw the team play a much more attacking football early into the match. Many chances were created by Riqui Puig, Monchu, Ballou and Carles Perez but the final finish was not there. This is where the team seems to be lacking in experience.
Player to keep an eye on:
Alex Collado, nicknamed ‘the boy with the floppy hair’ , was brought into the game at the 69th minute, replacing Dani Morer. Collado, who may not have had a big impact in this game, is one of the most promising young talents in the side. A natural playmaker and a free kick specialist, he will definitely be one to help the team during the season.
We keep on moving forward. If Barca B continue to show these signs of progress per game, we won’t have to wait long for their first win of the season. Next match is against 15th placed Sabedell and Pimienta’s side will be looking for nothing less than 3 points.
