In a matter of minutes, Barcelona’s new signing Cesc Fabregas managed to leave his mark on his debut at the Camp Nou. August 17 is a day he will never forget.
Following his recent move from Arsenal, Fabregas’ inclusion in the 2011 Supercopa de España second leg encounter was in doubt. The midfielder didn’t get enough time to train with Barca’s squad but Pep Guardiola had confirmed that Fabregas would be involved in the match at some point.
The former Arsenal captain started the night on the bench as Real Madrid aimed to hold on to a 2-2 draw after 82 minutes. But when Pep ordained the 24-year-old to step onto the pitch, everything changed at Madrid’s detriment. Fabregas paved the way to Messi’s 87th minute winning goal with an assist whereas the late brawl on the touchline was based around him.
In injury time, defender Marcelo produced a scissor tackle on the Spaniard and thus received a red card as Real Madrid’s coaching staff and players revealed their frustration. The 2 goals they had worked so hard to get had been devalued by Messi’s late strike which involved Fabregas in the buildup.
Eventually, the heated touchline fight between Barca and Madrid sealed a historical triumph for the Catalans against their rivals from Madrid. Commenting on his debut, Cesc Fabregas told reporters after the game:
“It's always good to start well, with positive situations like this. I am very happy. They had just scored when I went onto the pitch and I was just thinking of helping my team.”
Cesc Fabregas also branded the brawl as ‘a normal thing’ that happens in football. During his time at Arsenal, Fabregas had been involved a few times in confrontations against Chelsea players.
The former Arsenal captain started the night on the bench as Real Madrid aimed to hold on to a 2-2 draw after 82 minutes. But when Pep ordained the 24-year-old to step onto the pitch, everything changed at Madrid’s detriment. Fabregas paved the way to Messi’s 87th minute winning goal with an assist whereas the late brawl on the touchline was based around him.
In injury time, defender Marcelo produced a scissor tackle on the Spaniard and thus received a red card as Real Madrid’s coaching staff and players revealed their frustration. The 2 goals they had worked so hard to get had been devalued by Messi’s late strike which involved Fabregas in the buildup.
Eventually, the heated touchline fight between Barca and Madrid sealed a historical triumph for the Catalans against their rivals from Madrid. Commenting on his debut, Cesc Fabregas told reporters after the game:
“It's always good to start well, with positive situations like this. I am very happy. They had just scored when I went onto the pitch and I was just thinking of helping my team.”
Cesc Fabregas also branded the brawl as ‘a normal thing’ that happens in football. During his time at Arsenal, Fabregas had been involved a few times in confrontations against Chelsea players.
