Barca make changes but sweep past Leganes
Updated: 2016-09-18 09:16
(Xinhua)
MADRID -- Barcelona coach Luis Enrique pulled the tactical strings and was rewarded with a convincing win as his side claimed all three points in what could have been a potentially tricky game at home to newly promoted Leganes with a 5-1 win on Saturday.
The Barca boss surprised everyone by playing a three man defense and using Jordi Alba and Rafinha as wing backs to help open up a tightly organized Leganes defense.
Meanwhile Sergio Busquets was rested allowing Andres Iniesta and Ivan Rakitic to make up an unfamiliar looking central midfield.
Leganes had already held Atletico Madrid to a 0-0 draw in their Butarque stadium and following Barca's home defeat to Alaves a week ago, this could have been a test of Barca's nerve.
However, they needed just 15 minutes for Leo Messi to open the scoring with the first of two goals in the game. Luis Suarez was the creator with a run down the right and his pass left Messi with a tap in.
E-paper
We will not give up search, Li vows
International hunt for missing airliner continues after fruitless six-day search
Expo aims to boost trade and investment
Challenging times forecast as growth falls
IMF: China has pivotal role in 2016 economy
Specials
UK-China Internet Roundtable
More than 100 representatives from both countries discuss a wide range of topics.
Tiangong-1 launch
The launch of Tiangong-1 is China's first step in rendezvous and docking mission.
Foreign-friendly skies
About a year ago, 48-year-old Roy Weinberg gave up his job with US Airways, moved to Shanghai and became a captain for China's Spring Airlines.