FCBARCELONA.CAT

05.09.2008 23:28

First win (1-2)

www.fcbarcelona.cat

FC Barcelona has won its first League victory after beating Gestesa Guadalajara away from home with goals by Fernandao and Chico. FC Barcelona cancelled out the home team’s five man attack.

Gestesa Guadalajara started the game as forecast, with a goalkeeper/outfield player. They stuck with this tactic throughout the game but Barça managed to nullify it with some excellent defensive work and achieved their first victory of the season. Barça now lie fifth in the table though there are still some games on this third matchday to be played.

Fernandao again

Barça also played well in attack. They broke down the home team’s zone defence and created chances but suffered from the same problem as in their last match against Caja Segòvia: finishing.

The first goal didn’t arrive until the 16th minute when Fernandao slotted home after two wall passes in succession with Chico. It was the Brazilian’s fourth goal this season, and took Barça into the break 1-0 ahead.

Gestesa put on the pressure

The second half began well for Barça as they scored in the first minute. On the break Jordi Sánchez laid off the ball for Chico to make it two nil. There could have been more, but things broke down in front of goal too often.

So Barça came towards the end of the game just two goals ahead, which is not much of a difference in a game like indoor football. It became even slimmer when Charlie pulled one back with six minutes still left on the clock. Even though Barça played extremely well and dominated virtually the entire 40 minutes, they were on the rack in the final few as Gestesa put on the pressure looking for a draw. In the end, however, FC Barcelona hung on to record their first win of the season.