Lionel Messi’s goal was canceled out by two second half goals from Darwin Machis and Jorgin Molina in the thrilling league match.
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Barcelona missed the chance to go top of the La Liga points table, after their 1-2 loss against Granada. It was Granada’s first-ever win at the Camp Nou. Lionel Messi’s first half goal was canceled out by two second half Granada goals by Darwin Machis and Jorgin Molina. Barcelona coach Ronald Koeman was sent to the stands in the 67th minute. The loss could prove to be damaging for Barcelona in the title race, with only five games remaining.
Lionel Messi gave Barca the lead in the 23rd minute. The Argentine striker combined with Griezmann before slotting the ball past Granada goalkeeper Aaron Escandell, into the far left post of the Granada goal. Then, Messi’s shot in the 35th minute went just past the Granada goal. Barcelona were missing the cutting edge on the night as the Catalan club was made to pay for the missed chances in the second half.
Granada got an equalizer against the run of play in the 63rd minute. Darwin Machis’ left footed strike from inside the box went past the Barcelona custodian Marc-Andre ter Stegen to make the score 1-1. Substitutes Jorgin Molina and Marin combined to give the lead for Granada in the 79th minute. Marin’s cross from the left flank found an unmarked Molina at the near post, the 38-year old forward headed it past ter Stegen to make it 2-1 in favor of Granada. Things got worst for Barcelona, as their coach Ronal Koeman was shown a red card before the second goal in the 67th minute for showing dissent to the referee.
Granada played the weighting game. They sat back and defended and hit the opposition on the counter attacks. They had just 18% of the ball possession and two shot on target. But were more clinical in front of the goal than the home team.
The loss left Barcelona trailing league leaders Atletico Madrid by two points with five games left to play. Barcelona are third in the points table with 71 points from 33 games. Level on points with second placed Real Madrid, who have a better goal difference and head to head record. Sevilla are just one point behind Barca in the fourth spot.
Barcelona will next play away to Valencia on Monday and on May 8th they will host Atletico Madrid in what could be a title deciding clash.
