In a thrilling LaLiga encounter on Sunday, Barcelona secured their first win of the season with a 2-0 triumph over Cadiz, courtesy of late goals from Pedri and Ferran Torres. The star of the day, however, was Cadiz’s remarkable goalkeeper, Conan Ledesma, who pulled off a series of stunning saves.
Ledesma displayed lightning-quick reflexes early in the match, denying 16-year-old Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal on two occasions. Yamal, who was starting in place of the suspended Raphinha, became the youngest LaLiga starter in the 21st century, breaking Fabrice Olinga’s previous record set in September 2012 with Malaga. Follow your favourite football team with attractive La Liga odds from Nextbet.
Cadiz’s custodian continued his heroics with an astonishing one-handed save, blocking a point-blank strike from Jules Kounde, and thwarting a header from Robert Lewandowski just before halftime.
While Cadiz posed a threat on the counter-attack and missed a couple of opportunities with Roger Marti, Barcelona regained control in the second half.
The breakthrough for Barcelona finally arrived in the 83rd minute when Ilkay Gundogan delivered a pinpoint pass that found Pedri slicing through the defensive line. With a delicate touch, the midfielder calmly slotted the ball past the onrushing Ledesma, breaking the deadlock.
Barcelona’s coach, Xavi, praised Gundogan’s contribution, saying, “It was tough. We should have scored much earlier but finishing has not been our strong point at the start of the season. The goal arrived from a good pass from Gundogan. The game needed those passes. That’s why we signed Gundo. Last year we lacked that last pass, but that’s where the goal came from tonight.”
The victory was sealed for Barcelona in style when substitute Ferran Torres capitalized on a counter-attack, latching onto a header from Robert Lewandowski and finishing with precision.
After a goalless draw against Getafe in their season opener, Barcelona played their first LaLiga match at the Lluis Companys Olympic Stadium in Montjuic, as the Spotify Camp Nou undergoes extensive renovations.
Xavi acknowledged the fans’ support, saying, “It’s a positive point that there were 40,000 here today supporting the team until the end. The singing section was spectacular, singing, chanting all night. It was very positive for the club, the fans, the players, who are united.”
This thrilling victory marked a turning point for Barcelona in their quest for LaLiga glory this season. Get the latest updates from the La Liga only on Nextbet Sports.
