The Blaugrana fell behind early, were forced to overcome deep opposition blocks throughout the match, and eventually came away with a point thanks to a last-minute goal.
Ronald Koeman’s Barcelona lost further ground on top of the table Real Madrid after they could only draw their latest match against Granada. Things could’ve been far worse for the Blaugrana, who fell behind in just the second minute to Roberto Moreno’s side. They pressed on with the efforts to find an equalizer – which they did eventually, in the final moments of the match.
After much criticism among the fans and the media over Koeman’s non-Barca style of play, the Dutchman reverted to a 4-3-3 formation – widely accepted as the only ‘correct’ system suited for the club as a whole. Memphis Depay started up front in the number 9 position, flanked either side by Philippe Coutinho and summer signing Yusuf Demir. Sergio Busquets captained the side from the base of the midfield, supported by Frenkie De Jong and Sergi Roberto.
Despite the set-up, Barcelona’s defensive frailties were laid bare by the second minute of the match. Their failure to effectively deal with a Granada corner allowed left-back Sergio Escudero to retain the ball high up the pitch.
Escudero skipped past half-baked challenges from Busquets and Eric Garcia before hanging the ball in the air. Defender Domingos Duarte took advantage of De Jong’s poor attempted clearance and headed the ball in at the back post.
Substitute Luuk De Jong came closest to levelling the match before the eventual equalizer. The Dutchman was presented with the easiest of tasks by Depay, who found him with a cross inside the six-yard box. However, De Jong was unable to keep his header down and on target. Ronald Araujo, who looked likeliest to score the equalizing goal, did eventually get on the scoresheet. The Uruguayan defender headed in a cross from substitute Gavi just as the clock struck 90.
Barcelona take on Cadiz next in LaLiga – in a match that would provide them with an opportunity to close the gap on the top.
