Date & Time: Friday 24th September 2021 – 21:00
Competition: Primera RFEF Grupo II
Venue: Estadi Johan Cruyff
Author: Les McKee
After last weekend’s hugely disappointing performance and result in the derby against Algeciras the Balona fans could have been forgiven for having a lie in this morning. However, at 6am as the players and staff were leaving La Linea for the airport they were greeted by singing, banners, flares and fireworks.
The banner stating the fans were still with the side no matter what. This will have pleased Romerito and his charges as they attempt to break new ground.
Never have Barça B faced Balona in official competition and never before have Balona graced the Estadi Johan Cruyff.
Several week’s ago I wrote an article about the impact of Lionel Messi’s departure on Barça B and anyone who watched Cádiz draw 0-0 with FC Barcelona last night will have spotted Gavi and Demir in the starting line-up. Nico also came off the bench and Iñaki Peña was an unused substitute.
Balde who played against Granada on Monday went off with a back injury. There are 5 names you would have expected to figure for Barça B when this fixture was originally announced.
Manager Sergi Barjuan has called up 3 players from the U-18 squad as his squad has been depleted by players being called up to the first team and injuries.
Last week Barça B secured their first win of the season. They beat Sabadell 3-1. On loan UD Ibiza striker Ángel Rodado bagged a brace. Brazilian Matheus Pereira came off the bench to secure victory with an excellent finish from the edge of the box.
A big morale boost for Sergi’s side ahead of the visit of Balona.
Let’s be frank, last week was a disaster for Balona but the players have not hidden. They have apologised and taken ownership of everything that was wrong in the performance, which is fantastic for the fans to hear.
Today’s early morning pyrotechnic display will certainly have pumped the lads up even further.
Sadly, Ivan Martin is still missing so once more we will look to Gerard Oliva to provide goals. The big man needs to stand tall, draw the others into play and get himself into positions to get chances.
The skipper is also missing once more but despite being out the lads will feel they owe him a victory after falling badly against his old club last Sunday.
This is a big game make no mistake and we need big game players. Those with ambitions of playing at a higher level have the perfect shop window tonight. A big television audience is expected and with FC Barcelona’s massive fan base it’s a chance for more people than ever to know the names of those with the Linense badge emblazoned upon their chest.
The fans gave the team their response before sunrise this morning. Fans of Balona in Catalunya have also been reported to be visiting the team hotel leaving messages of support.
The message is clear the fans are with you – you are not alone.
Romerito has indicated there will be a couple of changes in personnel that start the game. Rumours are circulating of a more central role for Alhassan Koroma. This would be great to see as he was a bystander for large parts of Sunday and the fans call to get the ball to our best players may well be answered.
Despite their young age and many missing players, the subsidiary side of FC Barcelona will have expectations to go get a victory in front of their fans.
For Balona they are back to the role of underdogs once again. Let’s see if that works in our favour once more.
PEÑA PICHIGÜEY 