FC Barcelona and Frenkie de Jong bounce back in La Liga with victory over Cádiz | Football

Aug 20, 2023 at 9:32 PM Update: 8 minutes ago

FC Barcelona won the second league game of the season on Sunday. Cadiz was beaten 2-0. Two late goals brought the national champion victory.

Without the suspended trainer Xavi, but with Frenkie de Jong in the starting line-up, FC Barcelona went on the hunt for the first victory of the season. The Spanish top club was dominant for almost the entire match, but it took a long time before the spell was broken. Pedri made the difference in the 83rd minute by sliding in from close range: 1-0. Ferran Torres made the final score 2-0 in the 94th minute.

Barcelona will play its home matches this year in Lluís Companys Stadium, which was far from sold out due to the renovation of Camp Nou. The home team started the game well. Pedri had an excellent opportunity, but his header lacked power.

At times, Barça made an irritated impression, as in the heated opening game of the season against Getafe (0-0). In the 26th minute, Frenkie de Jong was booked for a reckless foul. Later keeper Marc-André Ter Stegen and Pedri were thrown on the receipt for comments on the lead.

Goalkeeper Jeremías Ledesma, on the other hand, distinguished himself with some excellent saves. Shortly after the break, Gavi hit the crossbar with a header from a corner and Barcelona’s chances continued to pile up. The liberating 1-0 fell seven minutes before the end. Ilkay Gundogan served Pedri with a cunning through ball. The Spaniard shoved in controlled.

Ansu Fati seemed to make it 2-0 just in time, but his goal was canceled due to Robert Lewandowski’s offside. Cadiz looked for the attack in the final phase, but it was Barcelona that struck in the counterpunch. Torres remained calm face to face with keeper Ledesma and finally closed the game: 2-0.

De Jong played a strong match and was at the basis of almost every Barcelona attack. The Orange international was voted man of the match. With the first victory of the season, FC Barcelona is fourth in La Liga. A game with Villarreal awaits next Sunday.

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