Copa del Rey: Athletic Club vs. Barcelona – Second Half Report (Part 1)
The second half of the Copa Del Rey fixture between Athletic Club and Barcelona started off with both the managers sticking to the same teams as in the first half. It was Barcelona’s turn to kick off as both the teams took their
positions on the field.
The very next minute, Athletic Club player Susaeta was taken off as David Lopez came on to add more experience on the field along with pace. Susaeta looked to be having an off night throughout the first half and taking him off
was a good decision.
On the other hand, Barcelona went on to attack. It was a wonderful piece of work from the Spanish striker http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/David-Villa-c10629, who got the ball on the left flank. The summer signing of the Catalans got past two Bilbao defenders and delivered
the ball at Pedro Rodriguez’s feet. The Spanish youngster drove the ball on the lower bottom corner, but the home team’s number 1 made sure that his safe hands got to the ball, as a great chance was wasted by the La Blaugrana.
Soon, Daniel Alves made a wonderful run from the right flank and avoiding the offside trap he caught onto the ball that was delivered by Xavi Hernandez. The Brazilian full back got past the Bilbao defender with his right foot and
brought the ball onto his weaker left foot. The shot taken drifted wide as he could not aim properly and Barcelona wasted another chance to lead the game while being away from home. Barcelona looked to be a little out of touch as all the players were losing
the ball very easily. It was as if the Spanish Champions were not “in the mood” to play.
However, Bilbao were certainly on their toes. The danger-man http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Fernando-Llorente-c13671 got an opportunity during the hour mark; however, his header caught Eric Abidal on the face and the Frenchman laid down as the medics attended to him.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Athletic-Club-c38535’s counter-attacking style of play was causing problems towards Barcelona’s high-defence line. Gerard Pique and Eric Abidal were caught off guard many times even though the home team could not really capitalize.
After two minutes, the Catalan coach Josep Guardiola decided to make changes in the team, as the full back Adriano was taken off and Andres Iniesta came on to take his position in the midfield. With Adriano gone, it meant that
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Gerard-c14664 Pique, Sergio Busquets and Eric Abidal as their defensive four.
With Andres Iniesta on the pitch, the game totally changed and titled in the favour of the visitors. The Spaniard linked the play between the midfielders and attackers very well and it did not take long for the visitors to score
the away goal to help them take a step towards the Spanish Cup.
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