26.09.2010 19:04

Barça B spoil Unzué return (1-0)

Aida Soriano

Barça B moved into fourth place in the Segunda A table on Sunday evening after beating Numancia in the Miniestadi thanks to a goal from Nolito.

Pep Guardiola watched from the stands as the Blaugrana youngsters recorded their fourth win in five matches in the league this term and gave Juan Carlos Unzué an unwelcome return to the club as he appeared for the first time since leaving to take over Los Pajaritos in the summer.

Luis Enrique’s team began brightly and showed why they have become a side to be feared in the Spanish second tier. As a testing ground for the next generation of stars that could step up to the highest level when required all the players are keen to impress and with Guardiola looking on it was Nolito who stood out. Going forward he impressed early on and netted the only goal of the game after 12 minutes when he met a pass from Marc Bartra to convert.

On the counter

Numancia used the counter-attack to try and catch the Barça defence out at the other end and continuously looked for Ibrahima to give them some joy. Barkero and Dimas were also looking confident for the visitors, but the hosts’ backline stood firm and ensured that they were able to help control the rhythm of the game.

Comfortable display

After the restart Barça looked comfortable and rarely looked likely to give up their lead. Instead, the home team pushed forward themselves and Edu Oriol, Sergi Roberto and Carmona all created chances to increase their advantage.

Keeping going

With 20 minutes remaining the referee has ruled out a goal for Numancia after Mikel Álvaro was considered to be offside and with that decision went their best chance of taking something from the encounter. In minute 85 Rubén Miño was called into action to deny Dimas and Barça were able to hold on and claim all three points.