Victory at Camp Nou!

Quick post about game against Sporting Gijón.

Day started with training at Camp Nou:








Game started at 8p.m. Some intresting facts:
The Asturians played a strong game at the Camp Nou and the draw was in sight right until the end. But in ll 93 minutes of play, they never managed to get one shot on target.

► So, it was a calm evening from Víctor Valdés’ point of view, who only touched the ball 28 times, and only five of those interventions were to break down Sporting plays.

► At the other end, Cuéllar had to make five saves, which was far less than visiting goalkeepers usually have to deal with at the Camp Nou.

► There was a massive difference in terms of the number of plays in the opposing area: 12 to 0.

► Xavi was by far the most active Barça player. He made 122 passes.

► Not one Sporting player managed more than 30 passes.

► Villa’s goal against Sporting was his fifth against his former team, and also his first league goal as a Barça player at the Camp Nou. But he didn't celebrate it as every other goal, just came together with other players to hug them.

► It was the first time Barça have scored between the 45th and 60th minute this season.

► With Messi out injured, only Alves and Bojan have appeared in all seven official matches so far this season.

► Nolito was named in the FCB first team squad for the first time on Wednesday, although he did not get to play.

► Before game there was minute of silence in memory of Jordi Pitarque (player of Reus who died on 6th Sept due to problems with heart)

► Messi watched games from stands due to his injury.

► Carles Puyol is having bad luck with injuries this season. The '5 'from Barça was replaced by Pique in the break because of a bruised left calf.

► last night it was 2500th game the FC Barcelona in First Division, such number is only matched by two other teams in the League: Real Madrid and Athletic.

► It was also the worst start of the Barcelona strikers at the Camp Nou in the league in the last 36 years: his first goal took 139 minutes to arrive. Last game at Camp Nou with the Hercules we lost 0-2.

► It was 100th game for Pique in FCB first team.

Ok and now it's time for some photos (no particular order):























And Messi again (I don't know what celebration it was but I will search for any info)




Post-match comments:
Pep's point of view (click here to read)
Guardiola stressed; “you can’t always produce excellence. The team stuck together and we played at a high level”.

Players' comments: click here to read what Villa, Alves, Pedro and Iniesta said after game

Other news
Oriol Romeu renews through 2012, he is Barcelona B midfielder and Spanish youth international aged 18. COngrats!


Right after game Iniesta shared on his facebook:
"On the way home very happy for the win and the match we've done. Now think about the next meeting on Saturday at the San Mames it's always complicated, against Ath. Bilbao."