FCBARCELONA.CAT

05.09.2009 21:08

Barça earn first point (1-1)

www.fcbarcelona.cat

FC Barcelona Atlètic earned a point from their opening home match in the Miniestadi as they were held by Mallorca B. Jonathan Soriano gave the hosts a very early lead, but were pegged by a goal from Sergi midway through the second period.

In the second game of the season, the Blaugrana gave debuts to Marc Muniesa and Jonathan dos Santos but were still unable to claim victory.

Jonathan opens the scoring

It took Luis Enrique’s side just two minutes to score the first goal however as Soriano pounced on a mistake by Mallorca’s keeper Nauzet to slide in the opener. It was the former Espanyol forward’s first goal for Barça as he had not scored in pre-season and set up the team for what they felt would be a morale-boosting victory.

Balearic pressure

Marc Bartra then went close to doubling the advantage with a firm header while at the other end Mallorca did apply pressure when they were able to as they stepped forward when the home team had the ball.

Working hard

In the centre of Barça Atlètic’s midfield Dos Santos and Thiago Alcántara worked tirelessly as they covered several kilometers to try and help build attacks and that industry almost paid off when Rochina saw a cross-cum-shot almost drift in that the keeper would not have reached. Mallorca were building too and Sergi had a chance to level before the break.

Chances to win

Edu Oriol and Soriano combined in the second period to create a chance while Rochina and Muniesa both had headers that could have clinched the points for Barça, but they were unable to convert.

Mallorca level

Tiredness in the home team’s display then became a factor and Martí almost took advantage as he pushed up but the equalizer came just after the hour mark when Sergi met a pass from Martí and steered home.

Late opportunities

After seeing the visitors draw level, Barça almost lost the game as Mallorca hit the woodwork and then had two chances that Dos Santos, Miño and Espasandín combined to keep out. Next week Luis Enrique’s team will be looking for their first win when Benidorm visit.