FCBARCELONA.CAT

07.09.2008 19:45

First win for Luis Enrique’s men (2-0)

Edgar Fornós

Barça Atlètic picked up its first three points of the season after a fine display against Gramanet. The game finished 2 – 0 to the side managed by Luis Enrique.

A minute’s silence was held before the game in memory of ex-Barça player Joan Segarra who died recently. Luis Enrique’s players dedicated their first win of the season to him after beating Gramanet on Sunday at the Miniestadi.

Sending-off at start

In the 11th minute Héctor Verdés was sent off for a heavy tackle on Pugui. However Luis Enrique decided to stick to the same attacking system he’d used since the start of the game with three players up front.

Despite the sending-off Barça Atlético dominated the whole of the first half with the best chances going to Nolito and Thiago who brought fine saves out of the visitors’ keeper.

Goals not long in coming

Barça Atlètic continued to dominate the game in the second half and the goals weren’t long in coming. Six minutes into the half Víctor Sánchez scored the first after a great assist by Goran Maric.

Sides evened up

The two sides evened up in numbers when Gramanet defender Xavi Muñoz got his marching orders after receiving a second yellow card in the 57th minute. Luis Enrique’s men were playing much more confidently and in the 71st minute Xavi Torres headed home from a Jeffren corner to make it two nil.

Jeffren injured

As the game moved towards its end, Jeffren got injured after having a crack at goal from a Maric pass, and had to be stretchered off.

With this result Barça picked up its first three points of the campaign. Next week Luis Enrique’s men will be visiting Sant Andreu.