Match Day 3 brought hope back into the team as Barcelona B clenched their first three points of the season, grasping a 1-0 away win against CE Sabadell in a Catalan derby. Not the most convincing of wins for Garcia Pimienta’s side but a win nonetheless.
It was Match Day 1 deja vú in the build up to the only goal scored. Juan Miranda claiming the assist as Sabadell’s Aleix Coch steered the ball into his own net. Barça B now move up to 14th place on the Segunda B table.
Highs and Lows:
5 changes in the line up. Guillem, Jorge Cuenca, Mujica, Collado and Kike Saverio all coming in following last week’s defeat to SD Ejea. Carles Perez was not included in the squad after suffering from traumatic arthritis in his foot.
The most questionable change was Riqui Puig being situated amongst the substitutes. Riqui remained rested on the bench. This huge decision was made after the midfielder received multiple knocks last week, resulting in him spending more time with the physio during the week than in training.
A very physical game, as every Catalan derby is. The players focused more on keeping possession in the first half, with very little chances created. The game picked up in the 61st minute with the return of Carles Aleña. The standout player for last seasons campaign ruptured a tendon in his right hamstring in June and is making his temporary return to the B team to gain match rhythm, as he has been registered presented and as a first team player. With the inclusion of Aleña, the team moved into their usual attacking play, building up to the goal scored for the young side in the 74th minute.
A slight scare for the blaugranas when Sabadell equalised 2 minutes before the end of regular play, but it was quickly disallowed for offside.
Man-marking play and fighting for possession resulted in a suspected injury on team captain Ferran Sarsanedas, who was substituted for Aleña.
New Captains:
New season, new players, new captains. Barça B have officially announced their four captains for the season. The armband will be worn by Ferran Sarsanedas, Monchu Rodriguez, Oriol Busquets and Jokin Ezkieta.
Questions continue to be raised around player promotions to the first team and first team appearances. So far, only Sergi Samper and Carles Aleña have been presented at Camp Nou as first team players. A number of B team players are registered for this seasons Champions League, should the first team need to call on them; but many have voiced, prior to this season, that their main focus is on the B team and earning promotion back into La Liga 123.
All in all, the team showed more confidence and maturity, yet they still lack the finishing product. Sunday’s win was a small step in the right direction.
