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Pedri saves Barcelona from another draw
Reading Time: 2min | Sun. 20.08.23. | 22:33
Ferran Torres also scored to give the La Liga champions a 2-0 win over Cadiz
Finally a win for Barcelona. After an opening draw with Getafe in the last round, the current La Liga champion faced another very tricky opponent – Cadiz. A defensive minded squad, willing to do all it takes not to concede a goal troubled Barcelona the whole match, and they almost succeeded. Almost. Pedri's 82nd minute goal relieved the home fans before Ferran Torres scored for the final 2-0. The Catalans not only lost two points last week, they lost coach Xavi and Raphinha too, as they were both given two-match bans after an ugly opening match of the La Liga. Xavi made two changes in this match, as Lamine Yamal was given a chance to start in place of the suspended Raphinha and ahead of Ansu Fati, while Gavi also came in. Last season, the game finished with the same result, and Barcelona scored two goals in three minutes to secure a win. This time it was much harder, as the first of two goals came really late.
İlkay Gündoğan for Barcelona vs. Cadiz:
— Squawka Live (@Squawka_Live) August 20, 2023
◉ Most passes in final third (47)
◉ Most crosses (10)
◉ Most chances created (6)
◎ 2nd most touches (114)
◎ 2nd most passes completed (89)
◎ 2nd most final third entries (10)
◎ 5/6 duels won
And he provided an assist for Pedri. 🅰️ pic.twitter.com/6YyMvQOWTa
Lewandowski had the first chance of the game, but it was his teammates Yamal and Kounde who should have scored but keeper Ledesma was fearless and saved his team. But Barcelona also has a good defense and the best keeper in La Liga, so when Marti robbed De Jong faced Ter Stegen all alone, the German miraculously saved his shot. Both teams had great chances in the second half as well. A superb Cadiz block prevented Barcelona taking the lead, then they break forward but Ruben Alcaraz's shot fired well wide. Then Pedri on one side and Chris Ramos on the other both hit the post. The fans were starting to get really nervous and flashes from Getafe game started to appear and then finally, Pedri scored the long awaited goal in the 82nd minute. Ferran Torres only confirmed the victory in injury time.
LA LIGA - MATCHDAY 2
Friday
Mallorca - Villarreal 0-1 (0-0)
/Moreno 62/
Valencia - Las Palmas 1-0 (0-0)
/Pepelu 74 pen/
Saturday
Real Sociedad - Celta Vigo 1-1 (1-0)
/Barrenetxea 22 - Mingueza 90+4/
Almeria - Real Madrid 1-3 (1-1)
/Arribas 3 - Bellingham 19, 60, Vinicius Jr. 73/
Osasuna - Athletic Club x-x (x-x)
Sunday
Girona - Getafe 3-0 (1-0)
/Herrera 12, Stuani 55, 65/
Barcelona - Cadiz 2-0 (0-0)
/Pedri 82, Torres 90+6/
22.30: (4.00) Betis (3.50) Atl.Madrid (2.05)
Monday
20.00: (3.20) Alaves (3.20) Sevilla (2.50)
22.30: (2.75) Granada (3.10) Rayo Vallecano (2.95)
***odds are subject to change
