Messi Frustrated As Barca Fall Eight Points Behind Real
01 November, 2020
LaLiga
Result: Deportivo Alves 1-1 FC Barcelona
Date: 31 October 2020
Venue: Estadio de Mendizorroza
Lionel Messi endured another frustrating evening in LaLiga as FC Barcelona dropped points at ten-man Deportivo Alaves.
Ansu Fati was handed a start on his 18th birthday, while Sergi Roberto, Ousmane Dembele and Antoine Griezmann were recalled.
The visitors must have been ahead on 12 minutes when Clement Lenglet sent Fati through on goal, however the youngster somehow guided his shot wide of the goal with only Pacheco to beat.
Soon after, Barcelona were nearly made to purchase that miss but Neto produced an excellent save to deny Edgar Mendez carrying out a quick counter.
However, Alaves were gifted the opening goal on thirty minutes when Neto's failure to regulate Gerard Pique's pass allowed Luis Rioja to slot into an empty net.
After a disappointing first-half, Ronald Koeman made a triple switch after introducing Pedri, Trincao and Miralem Pjanic in the beginning of the second half.
Barcelona's comeback hopes received a boost after Alaves were reduced to 10 men on 63 minutes after Jota Peleteiro was sent off after picking up his second yellow card for a foul Pique.
The equaliser arrived one minute later when Griezmann latched onto a loose ball before lobbing the on-rushing Pacheco for his first goal of the growing season.
The Catalan giants threw bodies forward searching for another goal, as Koeman also introduced Sergino Dest and Martin Braithwait late on.
Ultimately, Barcelona were not able to discover a way at night Alaves defence for another occasion because they now sit in 12th spot, eight points behind leaders Real Madrid.
Source: www.soccerladuma.co.za