Barça 4-2 Jaén: Knocking on the door

Excellent win for Barça in the Palau Blaugrana with Tino Pérez's team defeating Jaén 4-2 thanks in part to a brilliant first half performance. Goals from Antonio (2), Martel and Fits were enough to the take the points with keeper Pau López also impressive after the dismissal of Dídac. 

The blaugranes are now level on points with Inter at the top of the table ahead of their meeting with third place Peñíscola on Saturday. 

Great first half 

The start of the contest was a reflection of what was to come. Barça had the upper hand but it was not until the 10th minute that Antonio volleyed the home side ahead. Martel then made it 2-0, scoring for the fourth game in a row on 14 minutes. Two minutes later came the goal of the evening as Fits lifted the ball skilfully over the keeper after an excellent pass from Khalid. 

With just 17 seconds of second half gone, Antonio grabbed a second for himself and a fourth for Barça. 

Reaction from Jaén

With 16 minutes left keeper Dídac received his marching orders and with Pau López in goal, Jaén pulled one back through Mati Rosa. The same player scored a second for his team with three minutes remaining but a solid defensive display from the blaugranes saw them hold on for a valuable win. 

MATCH STATS

BARÇA, 4

JAÉN, 2

Barça: Dídac, Antonio, Dyego, Catela, Sergio González -starting five- Pau López (ps), Khalid, Touré, Fits, Eric Martel, Matheus, Ruben Rodó. 

Jaén: Espindola, João Salla, Míchel, Renato, Mati Rosa -starting five- Dani Zurdo, Alan Brandi, Carlos Sanz, Lemine, Bingyoba, Attos.

Goals: 1-0, Antonio (min 10). 2-0, Eric Martel (min 14). 3-0, Fits (min 16). 4-0, Antonio (min 21). 4-1, Mati Rosa (min 24). 4-2, Mati Rosa (min 37).