After a draw, FC Barcelona secured their first victory of the season against Cadiz (2-0) on Sunday, and Xavi praised his “cornerstone”, newcomer Ilkay Gündogan.
Reigning champion of Spain, FC Barcelona begins the season without too much madness. After the goalless draw against Getafe (0-0), the Blaugranas overcame Cadiz (2-0) on Sunday for their second outing of the season at the Olympic stadium in Montjuic (after the Joan Gamper Trophy against Tottenham ). Largely dominating, the Blaugranas found the fault only 10 minutes from the end of the meeting.
It was Pedri who pulled away to open the scoring on a service into the box from Ilkay Gündogan (82nd). After the meeting, Xavi praised the German midfielder who arrived from Manchester City: “ Gündogan is the cornerstone of the team. He has Barça DNA. He never loses the ball, makes the difference with the ball and always makes the right decision. We signed Gündogan to make a difference “.
🇪🇸 #LALIGA
⚽️ Barça wins against Cadiz! pic.twitter.com/3kiXP1TlTS
— beIN SPORTS (@beinsports_FR) August 20, 2023
“Gündo” is particularly valuable as he comes out of seven years under the orders of Pep Guardiola, also a follower of football based on possession of the ball. But under the Catalan tunic, he is not only the technically impeccable midfielder capable of being on the lookout to score. He is now an essential player in the game at Barça. He touched 114 balls against Cadiz, creating 6 chances.
Robert Lewandowski has not yet opened his goal counter but he is involved in the second Barcelona goal. Entering the game, Ferran Torres spun on goal to score with a cross shot from the left (94th). Pushed out (like Ansu Fati), the Spanish international prefers to stay at FCB to earn his place. He is already an excellent option off the bench.
