Barcelona end 2022 as La Liga leaders but they slipped to a 1-1 draw against rivals Espanyol in their final game of the year.
Marcos Alonso’s early header put Barcelona on track to extend their home winning run over Espanyol to 14 years before a controversial late spot kick from Joselu levelled the contest.
A draw for Espanyol means they have picked up a first positive result at Barcelona since 2009, and Xavi admitted he was frustrated at his side’s lack of effectiveness on their return to action after the 2022 World Cup.
Referee Mateu Lahoz was the main villain in the final stages, after issuing a string of yellow cards, and sending off Jordi Alba and Vinicius Souza in the closing minutes.
Both players were dismissed for second bookings and Sergi Roberto hinted Alba forgot about his earlier caution from Lahoz.
“Alba had forgotten his first card. I don’t know what he said to get him expelled by the referee”, as per reports from Movistar, covered via Diario AS.
“We have all been a little surprised. In the second half we wanted to go for the second goal and to have the game more controlled.”
Barcelona could appeal against Alba’s expulsion, but as it stands, he will serve a one game ban and miss the crunch trip to Atletico Madrid on January 8.
Images via Getty Images
Mariosuarez2
0
Thomas tuchel is the answer he will bring German attacking football which is the new style of modern football to Barca and also he will solve the defensive issues Barca has been having for the past 5 years now , but I feel Barca won’t sack Xavi cuz of his past history with the club . And please I understand kunde can also play right bk due to lack of good right backs but pls can u stop playing him there u are making him get worst day by day I Dnt care if u bring a team b right bk just put kunde in his natural position d right bk is making him turn to maguire junior
Abd1122
0
Lol overated coach
You’re just capping bro No one overrated xavi
PraveenVm
0
Bro check the table before you talk about struggling, y’all struggled against Espanyol yesterday 😭😭😭
Still we are top of the table. Go and check United's position. 🤣🤣🤣
ManUnited-Red
0
That's why they're laliga table leaders and United struggling to get into top 4. Wait, Ronaldo left United. Then surely they will get top 4. 🤣🤣🤣
Bro check the table before you talk about struggling, y’all struggled against Espanyol yesterday 😭😭😭
Mor2022
0
This club is just finished but Barca and their fans don’t accept it 💀💀💀
being leader of the table in la liga is a good way to be a finished club.. ridiculous..unlike some club struggling to get into top 4, what a stupid fan!
ManUnited-Red
0
every year disappointments😂 and u are here talking about barca
Like your club basically? 😹😹
PraveenVm
1
This club is just finished but Barca and their fans don’t accept it 💀💀💀
That's why they're laliga table leaders and United struggling to get into top 4. Wait, Ronaldo left United. Then surely they will get top 4. 🤣🤣🤣
Titabdemnu
0
yes feel free to appeal rubbish club. because la Liga is with you
naydkmnpu
1
This club is just finished but Barca and their fans don’t accept it 💀💀💀
every year disappointments😂 and u are here talking about barca
naydkmnpu
0
This club is just finished but Barca and their fans don’t accept it 💀💀💀
talk about manutd
ManUnited-Red
2
This club is just finished but Barca and their fans don’t accept it 💀💀💀
Mariosuarez2
1
Lol overated coach
Hiublnptz
1
Unlucky match but Still top of the table
laliga today
Braveachiever12
1
fair decisions, well officiating
it will affect you one day and we will see your reaction
Braveachiever12
1
it's a good news cause he will at least start Balde
juzakryz
1
Xavi cause this lost
Strangerthings
3
Unlucky match but Still top of the table
Etonekome
0
the match wasn't supposed to lose
Mouabenrty
1
hahaha blaming other is their main objectives,,
Nizam-Inamdar
0
fair decisions, well officiating