FC Barcelona is doing terribly this season. Even though it advanced to the knockout phase of the Champions League, the style in which it did so left much to be desired. The team is also doing very poorly in league games. Everything pointed to the fact that Thursday’s match with Las Palmas would end in a disaster, but miraculously it changed its fate.
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FC Barcelona reduces the gap to the leaders. Here is the LaLiga table
The match started horribly for the Spanish champions, as Joao Cancelo left the pitch due to an injury in the 11th minute. Less than a minute later it was 1-0 for the rivals, and the goal was scored by former FC Barcelona player Munir El Haddadi. Before the break, they could have even increased their lead, but one of the players’ shot hit the post.
Xavi’s players tried and attacked, but without any specific opportunities. Finally, in the 55th minute, Ferran Torres took advantage of the great confusion in front of the penalty area and beat Alvaro Valles with a clever shot. The second-degree assist was provided by the completely invisible Robert Lewandowski, who was hit in the head by one of the Las Palmas defenders who were kicking the ball away. “It was Lewandowski’s best play in this match,” commented commentators.
More minutes passed and the result remained unchanged. Coach Xavi decided to introduce Joao Felix and Lamine Yamala on the pitch in the 72nd minute, replacing Raphinha and… Robert Lewandowski. “He deserved this change,” commentators said. A little later, Vitor Roque made his debut for FC Barcelona. He showed great willingness to play, but he failed to hit the opponent’s goal.
And although it seemed that the draw would remain until the end, Daley Sinkgraven made a fatal mistake in added time, after which the referee awarded a penalty kick and sent the Dutchman off the field. Ilkay Guendogan came to the eleven and confidently placed the ball in the net and gave FC Barcelona an extremely valuable victory. “They pushed through the victory with a knee on their word of honor,” commentators summed up.
Thanks to this win, the Spanish champions moved up to third place in the league table, having 41 points after 19 rounds. The leader is Real Madrid (48 points), ahead of Girona (48 points).
Shortened LaLiga table after 19 rounds:
1. Real Madrid – 19 matches, 48 points, goal balance 40:11 2. Girona – 19 matches, 48 points, 46:24 3. FC Barcelona – 19 matches, 41 points, 36:22 4. Athletic Bilbao – 19 matches , 38 points, 36:19 5. Atletico Madrid – 19 matches, 38 points, 39:23.
The full La Liga table can be found below.
