Introduction
In a thrilling La Liga encounter, FC Barcelona faced Granada and managed to salvage a 2-2 draw after trailing by two goals. Manager Xavi expressed his belief that Barcelona deserved to win the match, despite the late comeback that earned them a point. The match featured the historic moment of Lamine Yamal becoming La Liga’s youngest goalscorer, adding an intriguing dimension to the game.
Lamine Yamal’s Record-Breaking Goal
The standout moment of the match was Lamine Yamal’s historic goal. At the tender age of 16 years and 87 days, Yamal etched his name in the La Liga record books as the youngest goalscorer in the league’s history. This achievement added to his growing list of milestones, as he had previously become Barcelona’s youngest debutant in an official match and Spain’s youngest-ever international and scorer.
Granada’s Early Dominance
The match began with Granada taking control of the proceedings. Granada forward Bryan Zaragoza netted twice in the first half, giving the home team a comfortable two-goal lead. Barcelona found themselves in a challenging position, with their defense struggling to contain Granada’s attacking threats.
Yamal’s Vital Strike
Just before halftime, Lamine Yamal struck from close range to get Barcelona back into the game. His goal not only reduced the deficit but also injected renewed hope and energy into the Barcelona side. It was a crucial moment that shifted the momentum in their favor.
Sergi Roberto’s Late Heroics
Barcelona’s determination paid off when Sergi Roberto, coming on as a substitute, scored a late equalizer in the 86th minute. Roberto’s goal rescued a point for Barcelona and demonstrated their never-give-up attitude. His first-time finish from Alejandro Balde’s cross left Granada goalkeeper Andre Ferreira with no chance.
Xavi’s Perspective
Despite the draw, manager Xavi Hernandez believed that Barcelona deserved more from the match. His assessment likely stemmed from Barcelona’s strong second-half performance and the belief that they could have secured all three points. Xavi’s confidence in his team’s abilities and their potential to win even when trailing by two goals is a positive sign for Barcelona fans.
La Liga Standings
Following the draw against Granada, Barcelona finds themselves in third place in the La Liga standings with 21 points from nine games. They are only one point behind second-placed Girona and three points adrift of league leaders Real Madrid. Atletico Madrid, in fourth place with 19 points and a game in hand, remains a strong contender in the title race.
Controversial Offside Decision
The match had its share of controversy, with Barcelona’s players and manager Xavi vociferously protesting a decision by the referee. The referee ruled out a Joao Felix goal in added time for a controversial offside in the build-up. This decision added to the drama of an already intense match and left both teams with mixed emotions.
Conclusion
While the draw against Granada may not have been the result Barcelona desired, the late comeback and Xavi’s belief in his team’s performance are encouraging signs for the club. Lamine Yamal’s historic goal will be remembered as a remarkable moment in La Liga’s history. As the season progresses, Barcelona will look to build on their second-half resurgence and continue their pursuit of the La Liga title, with young talents like Yamal and experienced players like Sergi Roberto contributing to their success.
