11.09.2010 20:02

Reserves soundly beaten (5-1)

Aida Soriano

Luis Enrique’s side lost heavily against a motivated Cartagena side that hit the net five times, while of Barça B could manage was a consolation goal from Benja.

The B side’s spectacular start to the season suffered a setback at the Municipal Cartagonova. In their first defeat of 2010/11, Barça B look unsettled from the start and failed to impose their style on the game. On a pitch in appalling condition, Cartagena seemed to hit the target every time they went forward.

Crucial errors

A brilliant intervention from Marc Muniesa when the rival striker looked set to beat Olazábal in the second minute was the first of many warnings. Juan Ignacio Martínez’s side, who came close to promotion to the top flight last term, were about to give Barça B an important lesson. At this level there is no room for foolish mistakes, and that was just what happened in the 17th minute when Cala took advantage of a loose ball to put his die in the lead.

Home side hit again

Ten minutes later, Toché made it 2-0 when knocking home a cross from Botelho. Muniesa and Jonathan Soriano then had a chance each to pull one back before the latter produced a one-two in partnership with Thiago Alcántara that very nearly made it 2-1.

No time to react

This was the first time Barça B had been playing catch-up all season, and the second half has only just started when Toni Moral delivered the killer blow. Luis Enrique shuffled his players as he sought ways of keeping more possession, but the results didn’t want to come.

Consolation goal

In the 65th minute, Toni Moral beat Olazábal for the second time and it was game over. Barça B did have a few timid chances courtesy of Rochina and Jonathan Soriano, but it was Benja who eventually scored, latching onto a Nolito assist, to make it 4-1. But the only other goal of the game was going to another for Cartagena, scored on the counter by Víctor in injury time.

Back to work

The B team now have two home games against Elche and Numancia in which they will need to make amends for the copious mistakes made this evening.