End of game: Las Palmas 1-2 Barcelona
Frankly speaking, Barcelona had a dreadful first half and fell behind deservedly at the halfway point. Their repeated efforts to penetrate the Las Palmas offside trap yielded no results, while the hosts’ attacks were more penetrating.
The former Barça pair Sandro and Munir collaborated to open the scoring early in the match, and Xavi’s team rarely threatened to equalize, despite having ample space to exploit in the attacking third. In fact, the home team could have easily doubled their lead, with Sandro firing one effort wide and another striking the outside of the post.
Whatever Xavi communicated during halftime had the intended impact. Barcelona advanced the ball with greater purpose and speed, confining their opponents inside their own half.
However, they needed assistance to get back into the match, as a poor clearance from Coco allowed Roberto to set up Ferran for the equalizing goal.
Las Palmas persisted with their high defensive line, which initially appeared to be their downfall until they momentarily found a resurgence late in the game.
But Barça’s persistent pressure finally paid off in a thrilling manner. Despite Vitor Roque’s entrance, it was Gündogan who emerged as the hero from the penalty spot after he himself was denied a certain goal by Sinkgraven, who was sent off for pushing the German as he was about to head the ball into the net.
