Martino’s era starts with 7 nil thrashing of Levante

Gerardo Martino began his spell in charge of the Catalan giants in the best possible way: the biggest win in the history of the club in the first game of the season.

The local side were a like a tornado against Levante in the first half but took it down a notch in the second. Those seven goals however, beat the 8-2 scoreline against Real Sociedad in the 1950/51 season and the 6-0 against Valencia of the 1958/59 season.

Alexis started the goal fest in the 3rd minute when a great pass from Xavi to Cesc allowed the Chilean the first goal of Barca’s season thus ending any uncertainty of the clash. Shortly after it was Messi’s turn to get on the scoreboard on 12 minutes helped out by Pedro.

Levante was totally outclassed by the local side. Caparros’ team barely managed to pass in midfield throughout the whole match. It was a type of pressure that reminded us of the manner in which Guardiola’s Barca used to frustrate their rivals.

Cesc Fabregas, in another perfect run off the ball from inside the opposition’s half, opened up the Levante defense to enable Alves to net one. Messi then returned the favor to Pedro, who scored the fourth, and then scored a penalty for a foul committed on Adriano. Just before the break, Xavi Hernandez netted the sixth after another goal assist by Cesc Fabregas.

Neymar debut

Martino did not field Brazilian Neymar in the initial eleven, who is still considered to be in poor form after his anemia. Neither did Iniesta or Jordi Alba make the starting eleven following the trip to Ecuador with the Spanish national side. The Brazilian debuted half-hour from the end, where he was constantly sought out by his teammates but leaving mark on the game.

Neymar and Messi coincided just ten minutes together on the pitch, as the Argentine coach replaced his compatriot to rest him up before the Spanish Supercup first leg against Atletico Madrid.

All in all it was a great start for Barca and their new coach. Real Madrid on the other hand, didn’t have it all their own way against Real Betis at the Bernabéu.

The whites won by 2 goals to 1 with a great performance by Isco who netted Real’s second goal late in the game to snatch victory.