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Late goals save Barca, but not hide weaknesses

Xinhua, September 30, 2015 Adjust font size:

FC Barcelona scored two goals in the last two minutes to defeat a brave Bayer Leverkusen side in their second Champions League group game of the season.

Sergi Roberto and Luis Suarez scored the goals as Barca had looked to be en-route to defeat in a game which saw Andres Iniesta add his name to their already worrying injury list.

With Leo Messi out injured, Luis Enrique handed a start to youngster Sandro Ramirez, while Andres Iniesta returned to the side after being rested at the weekend.

Bayer conceded seven goals the last time they visited the Camp Nou in their last visit, but showed no fear on their return, looking to pressure Barca high up the field and not shirking an open game.

Javier Hernandez almost put them ahead in the first minute, before Ivan Rakitic saw a header saved a minute later and Sandro saw a left foot shot well saved by Bayer keeper Leno.

Bayer took the lead after 22 minutes when Kyriakos Papadopoulos won a near-post header following a corner. All eyes will be on questioned Barca keeper Ter Stegen, but Luis Suarez was the player charged with marking the goalscorer.

Stegen saved his side from going two down when he stood up well to deny Karim Bellarabi shortly afterwards, before Neymar was booked for a clear dive and Sandro was unlucky to see a shot cleared off the line in what was an entertaining game.

Bayer maintained their pressure at the start of the second half and should have doubled their lead when the unmarked Hernandez fired over when unmarked in the middle of the Barca area.

Sandro dragged another chance wide, before Neymar failed to hit the target from a free kick as Barca struggled to break down their rivals and the home side had further bad news when Iniesta went off injured just before the hour.

Barca finally drew level when Sergi Roberto stabbed home from close range following an error from Leno 10 minutes from time and Suarez put Barca ahead with a stunning volley barely a minute later after a pass from Munir, who had earlier replaced Sandro.

The Camp Nou celebrated, but the win should not hide the fact that Messi is vital to Barca and just as important is the need for Luis Enrique to tighten up his side's porous defense. Endit