El Pozo Múrcia 5-2 Barça: Loss in opener

"It's not how it starts, it's how it ends". Words from Dyego in the run-up to the league debut, indicating that a long season may be ahead, particularly if you factor in the absences due to the World Cup, as players gradually start to return. Today's first league game and 5-2 defeat away to ElPozo Murcia (5-2) may not have been the desired result, but it was a good run out to get the cogs greased and working.

Quick comeback proves pivotal

Barça started well, with speed, verve and Erick a force in defence. In fact, both he and Touré went close to scoring the first few minutes during a good early push from the visitors.

The goal did end up coming, Antonio making the most of a Dyego assist and poor closing down from Edu Sousa to open the scoring (0-1, min 14). The goal actually came after Miquel Feixas made a goal line clearance from a Rafa Santos shot.

ElPozo then got into the game with two goals in 21 seconds that turned the game on its head, Marlon from a corner and a long shot by Ricardo (2-1, min 18) propelling the side from Murcia into the lead.

The home side's effectiveness continued after the break with a brace from Marcel (min 23 and 34) - the second coming as Barça were chasing the game - and one from David Álvarez when the blaugranes were attacking with five (5-1, min 37). Little time left to redress the balance, but Matheus scored an academic second in the last minute, final score 5-2.

As such, Barça were unable to start the competitive season on the right foot, but their next chance comes at home in front of the fans at the Palau against Manzanares, again in the league (18 October, kick-off 8.30pm CEST). Step by step.

MATCH STATS

ELPOZO MURCIA 5
BARÇA 2

ElPozo Murcia: Edu Sousa, Ricardo, Ricardinho, Gadeia, Esteban - starting five - Rafa Santos, Marlon, Fede Valerio, César, Marcel, David Álvarez. 

Barça: Miquel Feixas, Matheus, Álex Yepes, Erick, Touré - starting five - Fits, Eric Martel, Antonio, Dyego, Ortas, Pol Cano.  

Goals: 0-1, Antonio (min 14). 1-1, Marlon (min 18). 2-1, Ricardo (min 18). 3-1, Marcel (min 23). 4-1, Marcel (min 34). 5-1, David Álvarez (min 37). 5-2, Matheus (min 39).

Referees: Leiva Martínez, Pizarro Mejías. Yellow cards for Esteban and Marlon from Murcia and Antonio from Barça.