Game Recap: FC Barcelona B 2-2 Recreativo Huelva

Coming off two straight defeats and three defeats out of their first four matches, Barcelona B looked forward to getting this season's campaign going in the right direction as they hosted mid-table Recreativo, who have won their last two matches. 

The Lineups were as follows:

Barcelona B: Mino; Montoya, Bartra, Sergi Gomez, Planas; Dos Santos, Riverola, Sergi Roberto; Rafinha, Tello and Rodri.

Recreativo de Huelva: Manu; Ximo Navarro, Zamora, Manolo Martinez, Cifu; Javi Alamo, Zambrano, Quillo, Granero; Pablo Sanchez and Sergi Enrich.

As expected, Barca B opted for a 4-3-3 line up, with Kiko Femenia sitting out for the first time this season and Tello getting his first start. Rafinha also was given another shot to push forward on the flank after being withdrawn to midfield last week.

Barcelona B dominated the possession and the match from the outset, making their intentions clear early with some clever build-up play. Recreativo defended resolutely and Barca B, despite their intricate play, failed to create gilt-edged chances. Instead, on 22 minutes, it was Recreativo who took the lead. A free kick by Ximo caused confusion in the box and when Sergi Gomez tried to clear, the clearance defelcted off Sergi Enrich and nestled into Mino's net. 1-0 to Recreativo, and a harsh outcome for Barca B. Undaunted by the goal, Barca B pushed on for an equalizer. They bombarded the Recreativo goal with shots and eventually, the pressure wore on the visitors and Barca B got their deserved equalizer. A cross from Montoya was prodded home by Riverola, 1-1. Two minutes before the half, Barca B took the lead after some neat work inside the penalty area. Sergi Roberto provided the pass, and the lively Tello provided a cold-blooded finish past Manu. 2-1 to Barcelona B who took this lead with them at half-time.

The second half started as a much more timid affair than the first one and Recreativo were starting to look threatening on the counter.  Recreativo equalized 10 minutes into the 2nd half, with help from Mino. A harmless cross had him at two minds whether to claim the ball and Ximo lobbed him perfectly, 2-2. Recreativo grew in confidence and began to push Barcelona B back, calling Mino into action more times than Eusebio would like. Eventually, both teams went for the win and the game opened up as both sides went looking for the match defining goal. It looked like the game would tilt in Barca's favor when substitute Arcas was sent off six minutes from time, but Barca couldn't break through. Javi Espinosa hitting the post late was the closest they came, 2-2 as the points are shared.

Barcelona B will look move forward in their campaign against Recreativo next week, when they host fellow Catalan side CE Sabadell.