After finally getting off the schneid last week against FC Cartagena, Barcelona B came back to the comforts of the Mini Estadi to host not-so-super Deportivo La Coruna. Deportive was coming off a loss at the Riazor to Hercules CF by 1-0 and like Barca B, has split their opening two games.
The Line-ups were as follows:
Barcelona B: Miño; Montoya, Bartra, Sergi Gómez, Planas; Dos Santos, Sergi Roberto, Rafinha; Espinosa, Femenía y Rodri.
Deportivo La Coruna: Aranzubia; Laure, Colotto, Aythami, Ayoze; Álex Bergantiños, Jesús Vázquez, Salomão, Valerón, Guardado y Lassad.
Eusebio, with the exception of injured players Soriano and Muniesa, had a full squad to select from after losing some players last week to the FIFA dates. Spain's newly minted senior squad member, Martin Montoya, took up his usual position at right back alongside U-21 internationals Bartra, Planas, and, Sergi Roberto. Last week's standout performer Espinosa was pushed forward alongside Kiko and Rodri.
Like most matches, the start of the match was a constant struggle from both teams to carve out chances. Deportivo however, fired the first warning when a corner from Valeron found it's way into the back of the net, only to be ruled out for offside. Barca did not heed the warning and a minute later, they were behind. Another corner, from the other side, and a beautiful delivery from Guardado was headed in by Lassad. 1-0 to Deportivo.
As often happens, Barca B dominated possession of the ball but the lack of incisiveness that cost them against Villarreal B was causing problems again. They paid for it once more in the 27th minute. Guardado created havoc inside the penalty area and the ball fell for Lassad who made no mistake for the Galicians. Deportivo was up 2-0 and it was about to get worse for Barcelona B.
Two minutes later, for reasons unbeknownst to everyone other than to himself, Mino decided to wander outside his six-yard box. When Deportivo launched another counter-attack, Guardado fired from the halfway line. Mino was hilariously exposed, and the ball flew over his head and into the net. 3-0 to Deportivo La Coruna and that was the game. To their credit though, Barcelona B never stopped trying, and 10 minutes from the half they got their just rewards. A wonderful run and a great cross from Martin Montoya found Rodri who directed the ball past Aranzubia. Deportivo had the lead at halftime but Barcelona B were showing signs of life. The score at the half was 3-1 in favor of the Galician outfit.
Eusebio made his intentions clear at the restart, inserting prodigy Gerard Deulofeu into the lineup in place of the ineffective Kiko, and Cuenca in place of Espinosa 10 minutes later. The changes had mixed effects as Barcelona B started to dominate the game but their intricate play wasn't translating into goals. A curling free kick from Deulofeu that was saved by Aranzubia was the closest Barca B could get. They did manage to finally break through 12 minutes from time, Rafinha cleaning up the rebound after a shot by Rodri. Rodri almost managed to snatch a miraculous draw in injury time, but Aranzubia denied him. It finished 2-3 to Deportivo La Coruna.
Barcelona B will look to bounce back on Sunday as they travel to Alicante to take on another recently relegated team, Hercules CF.
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