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Suarez impressive in return from ban

MADRID — Luis Suarez made a strong return from his four-month biting ban on Saturday, showing no signs of being rusty and providing the biggest threat Barcelona could offer in a 3-1 loss at Real Madrid.

Barcelona’s Luis Suarez. Photo: AP

Barcelona’s Luis Suarez. Photo: AP

MADRID — Luis Suarez made a strong return from his four-month biting ban on Saturday, showing no signs of being rusty and providing the biggest threat Barcelona could offer in a 3-1 loss at Real Madrid.

Suarez set up Neymar’s fourth-minute opener and provided the most constant danger up front for the visitors, while Lionel Messi was kept in check by Madrid’s defence.

Still, Suarez said the loss spoilt his good showing.

“Obviously, after such a long time not playing you are relieved to be back,” said Suarez.

“I’m thrilled to play again and begin a new chapter. You always want to debut with a victory. I leave with the sensation that the team did all it could to win but it wasn’t to be.”

In his first competitive match since sinking his teeth into Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini at the World Cup in June, Suarez gave Barcelona coach Luis Enrique more than he had asked for.

“(Suarez) played well,” Enrique said. “He showed more pace than I had expected. He is an important player who knows how we play because he has been working with us.”

His performance on Saturday offered flashes of why Barcelona was undeterred by his latest act of gross misconduct and spent €97 million (then US$130 million) to sign him from Liverpool during the offseason.

The Uruguay forward won corner kicks, battled with Real defenders Sergio Ramos and Pepe, and combined well with his team-mates despite being limited to training and one friendly with them.

Suarez already appeared familiar with his new team-mates as he crossed for Neymar to dribble along the front of the area before the Brazilian fired in the opener in the fourth minute.

Suarez then almost helped double Barcelona’s lead with a pinpoint cross from the right side that Messi couldn’t poke past goalkeeper Iker Casillas, a missed chance that Enrique said was the turning point in the match.

Suarez was taken off in the 69th, showing that he is still a bit short of full match fitness. He is still banned from playing for Uruguay in the Copa America and some World Cup qualifiers next year. AP

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