Burkina Faso
Chinese Taipei
Nigeria

Ansu Fati scores in first Barcelona appearance in 10 months

goal.com, 26 September 2021, 16:13
The 18-year-old winger came on with just 10 minutes left and managed to fire in his side's third goal of the game

Ansu Fati scored for Barcelona in his first game in more than 10 months as his side beat Levante 3-0 on Sunday.

The 18-year-old had been out of action since last November, having suffered a torn meniscus on his left knee in a clash with Real Betis.

The Spain international came off the bench to replace striker Luuk de Jong with less than 10 minutes left of the game and went on to score in stoppage time.

What was Fati's goal like?

Eric Garcia's pass made its way towards Fati through a dummy from Memphis Depay.

As the Levante defence failed to deal with the danger, the Barca youth academy graduate took possession in the middle of the visitors' half and charged towards goal.

Despite full-back Jorge Miramon's attempt to block his path, he created space with a quick change of direction and sent it bouncing beyond goalkeeper Aitor from outside the box.

The strike saw his side go 3-0 up at Camp Nou, with Depay and De Jong scoring in the first half.

What did Fati say?

The winger admitted his first game back for the Catalan side went better than he expected and said he is proud to wear the No. 10 jersey that was previously worn by Lionel Messi.

He told Movistar: "I did not imagine a return like this. Here you always have to win. I am happy for the victory, we have a lot left. I thank the doctors and physios who have been with me. Also to the fans.

"I have thought about helping the team. I have also thought about my family, who have suffered these months. Also for the people of the club. They have been a great support for me in all these months.

"I am one more. I will try to add what I can. I will try to help the coach and be available to help.

"It will depend on how I find myself. I will have to earn the minutes. This is very long, it has just begun. We are Barca and we have to fight for everything.

"For me the No. 10 is not a source of pressure, it is a source of pride. I thank the club and the captains for giving me the opportunity to wear it. It is not pressure, but gratitude.

"We are going to fight for La Liga, for the Champions League and for everything. We have to fight and work for that."

What does the result mean for Barcelona?

The 3-0 victory puts an end to a four-game winless run in all competitions for Ronald Koeman's team and lifts them to fifth in La Liga. They sit five points behind leaders Real Madrid but have a game in hand.

Koeman has been under pressure in recent weeks, as the club are considering sacking him due to their disappointing start to the season.

Goal understands the club have already spoken to Belguim boss Roberto Martinez about replacing Koeman.

Next, they take on Benfica in the Champions League on Wednesday as they look to recover from their 3-0 defeat at home to Bayern Munich in the first game of the competition.

Top News

3 May 2024 sportsmole.co.uk Ajax make the trip to FC Volendam on Sunday afternoon looking for the win that would strengthen their hold of fifth position in the Eredivisie standings. 3 May 2024 sportsmole.co.uk A decimated Chelsea side have been handed yet another injury concern ahead of Sunday's Premier League London derby with West Ham United at Stamford Bridge. 3 May 2024 sportsmole.co.uk A second Premier League London derby in the space of a week awaits the Stamford Bridge faithful on Sunday, as Chelsea pit their wits against fellow European hopefuls West Ham United. 3 May 2024 sportsmole.co.uk Wolverhampton Wanderers have confirmed that they have signed Manchester City midfielder Tommy Doyle on a contract initially until 2028. 3 May 2024 sportsmole.co.uk Just three matchdays remain for the majority of the clubs in the Premier League this season, making each and every game potentially pivotal when it comes to achieving their respective goals for the campaign. 3 May 2024 sportsmole.co.uk Liverpool have been handed an untimely concern with the fitness of Virgil van Dijk ahead of Sunday's Premier League clash with Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield. 3 May 2024 sportsmole.co.uk Tottenham Hotspur boss Ange Postecoglou should not shy away from making a few changes for Sunday's Premier League encounter with Liverpool at Anfield. 3 May 2024 sportsmole.co.uk Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has delivered a concerning update on Virgil van Dijk ahead of Sunday's Premier League encounter with Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield. 3 May 2024 sportsmole.co.uk Manchester United will be aiming to return to winning ways in the Premier League when they head to Selhurst Park on Monday evening to tackle Crystal Palace. 3 May 2024 sportsmole.co.uk Two titans stuttering towards the Premier League finish line clash at Anfield in Sunday's headline battle, as Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur both endeavour to rectify some recent mistakes. 3 May 2024 sportsmole.co.uk Manchester City attacker Phil Foden has been named the 2024 Football Writers' Association Men's Footballer of the Year. 3 May 2024 sportsmole.co.uk Chelsea head coach Mauricio Pochettino has reiterated calls for Conor Gallagher to pen a new contract at Stamford Bridge. 3 May 2024 sportsmole.co.uk Chelsea will be bidding to make it back-to-back wins in the Premier League when they welcome West Ham United to Stamford Bridge on Sunday afternoon. 3 May 2024 sportsmole.co.uk Manchester City reportedly had scouts present to assess the capabilities of Chelsea full-back Ian Maatsen earlier this week. 3 May 2024 sportsmole.co.uk Juventus are reportedly ready to push for the signing of Manchester United forward Mason Greenwood. 3 May 2024 sportsmole.co.uk Tottenham Hotspur head coach Ange Postecoglou admitted that his side were "so far" off the standards he sets in Thursday's 2-0 Premier League loss to Chelsea and accepted responsibility for the defeat. 3 May 2024 sportsmole.co.uk All transfer business is done and dusted for this season, but that doesn't stop clubs from preparing ahead for next season. 3 May 2024 sportsmole.co.uk Two sides separated by a single point in the bottom half of the Championship table will do battle in the final round of games of the season on Saturday, as Swansea City welcome Millwall to South Wales. 3 May 2024 sportsmole.co.uk With their Champions League hopes dwindling by the week, Tottenham Hotspur face a nerve-jangling trip to Liverpool for Sunday's Premier League showdown. 3 May 2024 sportsmole.co.uk Ankaragucu vs. Alanyaspor (Friday, 6.00pm) Ankaragucu will hope to remain clear of the relegation zone when they host Alanyaspor at Eryaman Stadium on Friday evening. 3 May 2024 sportsmole.co.uk Toulouse vs. Montpellier (Friday, 6.00pm) With their spot amongst France's finest crop secured for a third straight season, Toulouse will welcome an in-form Montpellier HSC side to Stadium de Toulouse on Friday evening in Ligue 1. 2 May 2024 sportsmole.co.uk Brighton & Hove Albion Women will welcome Aston Villa Women to Broadfield Stadium for Sunday's Women's Super League contest. 2 May 2024 sportsmole.co.uk Manchester United must reportedly fend off the threat of two European heavyweights if they are to acquire one of their top defensive targets this summer. 2 May 2024 sportsmole.co.uk Two sides with contrasting objectives clash in the Turkish Super Lig when Samsunspor host Trabzonspor at the Samsun 19 Mayis Stadyumu on Saturday evening. 2 May 2024 sportsmole.co.uk A long-serving Liverpool defender is reportedly open to exploring a move away from Anfield this summer alongside Jurgen Klopp. 2 May 2024 sportsmole.co.uk Chelsea have reportedly set their sights on bringing a former Arsenal number one back to the Premier League this summer. 2 May 2024 sportsmole.co.uk Sporting Lisbon will be looking to take another step towards securing the Primeira Liga title when they play host to Portimonense at the Estadio Jose Alvalade on Saturday. 2 May 2024 sportsmole.co.uk Chelsea head coach Mauricio Pochettino felt that his players showed the qualities required to improve as a team during their 2-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur on Thursday night. 2 May 2024 sportsmole.co.uk Last season's runners-up Fiorentina secured a brilliant 3-2 victory thanks to M'Bala Nzola's 91st-minute winner against Club Brugge after a fascinating first leg. 2 May 2024 sportsmole.co.uk Last season's runners-up Fiorentina secured a brilliant 3-2 victory thanks to M'Bala Nzola's 91st-minute winner against Club Brugge after a fascinating first leg.