Luis Suarez scored the only goal in Bilbao, but injuries to two key players leave Luis Enrique with serious selection problems going forward.
In a tough and bruising match of few chances and little quality at San Mames, FC Barcelona managed to exorcise the demons of their 4-0 Super Copa humiliation nine days previous. Despite Lionel Messi seeing his first half penalty brilliantly saved by Gorka Iraizoz, the blaugraña were able to keep their first competitive clean sheet on their way to a crucial three points. Yes, even on day one, this was a vital win. San Mames will not bad a happy hunting ground for a lot of teams this season, and with Real Madrid only managing a nil nil at el Molinon against Sporting Gijon, the importance of this win is only magnified.
However, as welcome as the points were, two just as unwelcome injuries were suffered. Dani Alves departed after little more than quarter of an hour after an awkward stretch. He was seen shortly after on the bench clutching his groin, which is a worrying sign, and I'd guess that'll see him miss four to six weeks. As for Busquets, he took a knock to the ankle, made all the more distressing by the fact he left the field on a stretcher. Hopefully it is just an impact injury, and this may be the case as his injury has been described as “not important” on the club's website.
Before Messi missed his penalty, there was a strong appeal turned down, when the officials failed to see a clear handball from a cross. To be fair, though, the ball had gone out of play in the buildup, and they didn't spot that either! The penalty that was given shortly after was a slightly soft one. Suarez turned in the box and was challenged by Elustondo. Suarez went over, and the ref pointed to the spot. The home fans and players were none too happy, and the decision did seem a tad harsh. Messi went for placement, but his corner-bound shot was brilliantly turned round the post by the home keeper.
The goal itself was a thing of beauty. Jordi Alba latched onto a diagonal pass, volleying a first time cross into Suarez, who was waiting by the penalty spot. The Uruguayan dispatched a left foot volley of his own into the roof of the net, leaving Iraizoz floundering. Sergi Roberto, Alves' replacement, lashed a fierce shot off the top of the bar from twenty yards, during a performance at right back in which he thoroughly impressed. Obviously his good preseason displays in that position were not a flash in the pan.
The result saw Barça record an opening day win for the seventh straight season, and match day two sees the team have another chance to right a “wrong”. Malaga visit Camp Nou next Saturday, a fixture that saw them leave with all three points last season thanks to a seventh minute goal from Juanmi. Lucho's men failed to score at all against Los Boquerones last season, drawing 0-0 at la Rosaleda in the return fixture.
Of course, Lucho's small squad is now positively tiny thanks to Dani and Busi's injuries. The manager now only has eighteen players to call upon, so we are likely to see the likes of Gumbau and Camara on the bench once again.
Posted with Blogsy
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