Barça B - Match report: Gramenet

Only five players survived Luis Enrique's rage after the first game of the season (read more here). Centre back duo Joni and Romeu weren't part of the squad and the whole midfield was replaced with Rueda surpisingly starting as defenisve midfielder. Víctor Sánchez rejoined his last season team-mates and played as central defender. Miño kept Oier on the bench for the second game in a row.

Miño, Córcoles, Víctor Sánchez, Héctor Verdés (out 12), Espasandín, Thiago, Rueda (45 Xavi Torres), Longás, Nolito (68 Busquets), Maric, Rayo (45 Jeffren)

See the further match stats here

With no first team football last weekend, a lot of people came to the Mini Estadi to watch the first home game of Barcelona Atlètic this season, from Barcelona manager Josep Guardiola over board members and former players to opera singer Josep Carreras. Before the match there was a one-minute silence for Barcelona legend Joan Segarra, who died at the age of 80 days before.

Barcelona started well and Nolito had the 1-0 on his boots after only four minutes. Luis Enrique nevertheless already had to change his game plan when central defender Verdés was rightly sent off after a tackle in the 11th minute.

The coach, who was standing by the side-line supporting his players during the whole game---only getting back to the bench once to kick it after Thiago lost a ball in midfield, decided to play with three defenders and this appeared to be the right choice. Gramenet didn't come out of its defensive position and Barcelona dominated the first half, although this didn't lead to a lot of chances.

Víctor Sánchez organised the defense and Longás proved his quality and experience by taking the lead of the team. Shots by Nolito, who was very active on the left wing, and Thiago were saved by the visiting goalkeeper.

In the second half, Luis Enrique changed the 3-3-3 to a 4-3-2. Xavi Torres entered to play alongside Víctor Sánchez in a four-men defense, although both got the freedom to go forward. Longás and Nolito dropped back a line and Maric and Jeffren were the strikers.

After five minutes, Víctor Sánchez opened the score after a great run and an assist by Maric. Five minutes later Gramenet was also reduced to ten man after a fault on Nolito. Barcelona kept on controlling the game and in the 71st minute a corner kick by Jeffren was headed into the net by Xavi Torres, who could have previously made a fault on the goalkeeper.

Gramenet finally decided to react and hit the post twice in the last quarter. Jeffren, who was playing a good second half, got injured when he shot on goal after a pass by Maric. The winger had to leave the pitch with an injury and Barcelona ended the game with nine men.

Barcelona Atlètic coach Luis Enrique said at the press conference after the match that he was happy with the performance of his team: "I'm very satisfied because we kept last season's good series at home. And we were able to overcome the early red card. Today I liked everything with exception of that red card.

I liked a lot of things, especially the way we started the game because this usually tells a lot about the team. Despite the expulsion, we didn't change our style and this proves that a team can get over such moments. The performance of Víctor Sánchez has been impressive.

I'm very satisfied with the attitude of the team. With a good attitude everything is a lot easier. Although they are very young, we knew how to play at every moemnt of the game. This victory will be a stimulation for the players by seeing that all the hard work since the start of the pre-season leads to something.

It's true that I made a lot of changes but that doesn't mean I was disappointed. I have a squad of 21-22 players and they all have qualities. Starting a game or not will depend on their motivation, their ambition and their daily work on training. Everyone will play this season and everyone will spend time on the bench and in the stands.

About the transfer of Iago I want to say that I never intended to say that he was a player Barcelona wasn't interested in. I think honesty is a virtue of a coach and I told him that I thought it would be difficult for him to get a lot of playing time this season. It's a great player and a good boy but it was better for him to move. I wish him all the best."