Xavi Hernandez, Barcelona's manager, was visibly disappointed following his team's defeat to Granada in LA LIGA.
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The Blaugrana seized the lead in the second half thanks to a Luuk de Jong header, but Antonio Puertas equalized in the 89th minute. In the 79th minute, Barcelona's teenage player Pablo Gavi was sent off for a second bookable offense.
After the game, Xavi bemoaned the lack of experience in the squad, claiming that they were solely to fault. According to ESPN, he said:
"It's unfortunate, but it's due to our own errors." It's due to a scarcity of experience. We are weakened by the red card, but we have lost due to blunders. We've overlooked two crucial points. It is up to us, not the opponents."
After a shaky first half, De Jong's header from a superb Dani Alves cross put Barcelona on the right track. The Catalan giants, on the other hand, pulled their foot off the throttle, allowing Granada to re-enter the game. The dip in intensity was noted by Xavi, who said:
"We misplaced a few foolish balls. The goal of the second half was to maintain control. We won't be able to return home happy after that. We're enraged. We must be critical of ourselves. It's the same story as against Osasuna [when Barca drew 2-2]. After the goal, which is the most difficult thing, it's the same story as against Osasuna."
Barcelona's coach went on to say that his team needed to start eradicating little flaws from their game as soon as feasible. According to Xavi,
"We had no idea how to play the game. When we had to finish the game, we began to retreat. To win, we need to generate more. We've made blunders. It must be now if we are to grow."
Barcelona squanders an opportunity to climb the standings.
After 20 games, the Blaugrana are in sixth place in La Liga after the draw. They have only 32 points this season, having won and drawn eight times each.
Barcelona could have moved up to third place in the rankings with a win at Granada, ahead of Real Betis, who have 33 points from 19 games and play today. Xavi's team, on the other hand, failed to grab their chance and have now fallen farther behind in the race for a place in the UEFA Champions League.
In other news, Real Madrid cruised to a 4-1 victory against Valencia to extend their lead over Valencia to eight points in La Liga. Sevilla, who play Getafe tonight, could cut into their lead.
Real Sociedad also won 1-0 to maintain their fourth-place position. They could, however, be overtaken by Atletico Madrid and Rayo Vallecano, both of which have matches tonight.
Recent feedback
avatar :Barca, please accept my apologies. I start to feel sorry for them. avatar
Virgin :Taking part in a major match with a 120-year-old defense line
avatar:Exactly, but Xavi is a contributor to the problem. The departure of Luke De Jong, the team's only goal scorer in recent years. He should have been replaced at least 10 to 15 minutes before the end of the game. The greatest way to defend is to attack, we're told. Following De Jong's substitution, Barca's small attack quickly failed. Please don't play Alba full-time next time; he makes no contribution to the Barca project in any match.
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