Gerardo Hernandez

The three Cubans released in a prisoner exchange that paved the way for a historic breakthrough Wednesday in Havana's Cold War standoff with the United States are celebrated as heroes back home.

Martino was left less than impressed after experiencing defeat for the first time as Barca boss.

The Catalans were beaten for the first time in 21 games since Gerardo Martino took over in July when Ajax stunned them with a 2-1 win in the Champions League.

Coach Gerardo Martino says that Xavi and Alexis have played a lot and it was their their turn to be rested

Placed on a podium by coach Gerardo Martino, Cesc Fabregas was directly involved in five of Barcelona's seven goals in their opening La Liga fixture.

Gerardo Martino's insistence on pressing high up the field was very evident in his only game at the Camp Nou so far as FC Barcelona destroyed Santos 8-0 in a friendly that formed part of the deal to bring Neymar to the Spanish champions.

What the match did teach, however, is that new coach, Gerardo 'Tata' Martino is not going to change the 4-3-3 line up which has worked so well for Barca in recent seasons. Sergio Busquets will still be the midfield lynchpin with Xavi Hernandez and Andres Iniesta creating some magic and moving the ball in front of him.

The Barcelona superstar was Argentina's best player throughout, twice forcing Daniel Hernandez into scrambled saves early on before producing the pass which enabled Higuain to break the deadlock on 29 minutes.

The three Cubans released in a prisoner exchange that paved the way for a historic breakthrough Wednesday in Havana's Cold War standoff with the United States are celebrated as heroes back home.

Martino was left less than impressed after experiencing defeat for the first time as Barca boss.

The Catalans were beaten for the first time in 21 games since Gerardo Martino took over in July when Ajax stunned them with a 2-1 win in the Champions League.

Coach Gerardo Martino says that Xavi and Alexis have played a lot and it was their their turn to be rested

Placed on a podium by coach Gerardo Martino, Cesc Fabregas was directly involved in five of Barcelona's seven goals in their opening La Liga fixture.

Gerardo Martino's insistence on pressing high up the field was very evident in his only game at the Camp Nou so far as FC Barcelona destroyed Santos 8-0 in a friendly that formed part of the deal to bring Neymar to the Spanish champions.

What the match did teach, however, is that new coach, Gerardo 'Tata' Martino is not going to change the 4-3-3 line up which has worked so well for Barca in recent seasons. Sergio Busquets will still be the midfield lynchpin with Xavi Hernandez and Andres Iniesta creating some magic and moving the ball in front of him.

The Barcelona superstar was Argentina's best player throughout, twice forcing Daniel Hernandez into scrambled saves early on before producing the pass which enabled Higuain to break the deadlock on 29 minutes.