Barcelona experienced a shocking defeat at home, losing 2-1 to Las Palmas, marking their first home loss of the season in La Liga. Under the new leadership of coach Hansi Flick, the team had previously enjoyed a strong start, securing victories over top rivals like Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, and winning all eight of their previous home games.
However, this latest result extends Barcelona’s winless streak in La Liga to three matches, following a previous defeat to Real Sociedad and a draw with Celta Vigo. With this loss, Real Madrid now stands poised to overtake Barcelona in the league standings, trailing by just four points with two additional games played.
Las Palmas celebrated a historic victory, with goals scored by Sandro Ramirez and Fábio Silva, with Barcelona’s Raphinha managing to equalize briefly. “I don’t care about scoring, I care about winning,” said Raphinha, emphasizing the need for the team to reflect on its recent performance. He highlighted the upcoming match against Mallorca as a crucial opportunity to regain their form and stay competitive in the title race.
This defeat marks the first time Las Palmas has triumphed at Barcelona since the 1971-72 season, showcasing the unity and belief within their squad, as expressed by Sandro, a former Barcelona youth player. The match also saw the return of young star Lamine Yamal from injury, although it was not enough to secure a positive result.
Barcelona’s celebrations for their 125th anniversary were overshadowed by the loss, where they also debuted a new mascot, “Cat,” symbolizing their rich history and heritage. Additionally, the game saw a concerning incident with Alejandro Balde, who was carried off the field after a collision early in the match.
In summary, while Barcelona faces challenges and a shift in momentum, their upcoming matches present vital opportunities to bounce back. Fans will be looking forward to how the team can rally and regain their position at the top of the league as the season progresses. This situation also highlights the unpredictability of football, where even the strongest teams can face unexpected setbacks, underscoring the importance of resilience and teamwork.