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March 31, 2024
Barcelona’s quest to defend their La Liga title faces challenges as they find themselves trailing leaders Real Madrid. On Saturday evening at Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, Las Palmas initially frustrated them after Raphinha had a goal disallowed. However, the Brazilian broke the deadlock in the second half, helping Xavi’s side reduce the gap to five points behind Madrid.
Raphinha scored the decisive goal, heading in the winner after coming off the bench. Barcelona controlled the match with 69% possession but struggled to convert that dominance into goals until Raphinha’s 59th-minute strike, set up by substitute João Félix.
The hosts also benefited from a red card for Las Palmas goalkeeper Álvaro Valles, who was sent off for a foul on a charging Raphinha just outside the box.
Barcelona nearly took the lead earlier when Robert Lewandowski hit the bar. Still, the introduction of João Félix energized the team. The Portuguese star not only assisted Raphinha’s goal with a clever chip but also rattled the woodwork himself later in the match. With El Clásico on the horizon, Madrid will be keen to avoid any slip-ups when they face Athletic Bilbao on Sunday night. Sist for Raphinha’s headed goal before hitting the bar himself.
Barcelona has maintained an impressive unbeaten streak since January, a run that has kept their hopes of reclaiming the La Liga title alive. The dynamics of the title race could change dramatically if Real Madrid stumbles under pressure, creating an opening for Barcelona to capitalize on their rivals’ mistakes. With El Clásico looming next month, any points Madrid drops would tighten the race and inject new excitement into the league, making every match even more significant.
His team adapted well despite Xavi’s absence from the sidelines due to a ban during the clash with Las Palmas. The strategic decision to bring on João Félix in the second half proved to be a game-changer. The young forward’s creativity and pace were instrumental in breaking down the stubborn Las Palmas defense, which had held firm until then. Félix’s ability to find gaps and create opportunities could be pivotal as Barcelona maintains momentum in the title race. His contributions, both as a playmaker and a goal scorer, could be crucial in the upcoming matches, especially as the pressure mounts in the season’s closing weeks. Barcelona’s recent performances and the potential for Madrid to slip create a fascinating narrative that fans will be eager to follow.
The creative midfielder was clearly on a different wavelength than some of his Barcelona teammates, showcasing a unique vision and skill. Gündogan was crucial in breaking down the organized Las Palmas defense, consistently finding spaces others overlooked. His ability to make incisive passes created several chances. Still, his teammates’ poor finishing and a few close-offside calls kept him from adding to the scoreline. Despite this, his influence was evident as he orchestrated much of Barcelona’s attacking play, proving his importance to the team’s strategy.
Ter Stegen 7, Kounde 7, Cubarsi 7, Martinez 7, Cancelo 7, Roberto 7, Gundogan 8, Lopez 7, Yamal 7, Lewandowski 8, Raphinha 8
Subs: Joao Felix 8, Romeu 7, Torres 7, Roque 7
Valles 5, Alex Suarez 6, Coco 6, Marmol 6, Cardona 6, Marvin 7, Javier Monoz 6, Loiodice 6, Rodriguez 6, Haddadi 6, Ramirez 6
Subs: Campana 6, Cardona 6, Escandell 7, Moleiro 7, Ramirez 6
20′ – Goal disallowed: Raphinha scores but is offside.
25′ – Valles sent off: Las Palmas goalkeeper fouls Raphinha outside the box.
35′ – Lewandowski hits the bar after Cancelo’s cross.
45+3′ – Coco goes close for Las Palmas with a free-kick.
60′ – Goal! Barcelona 1-0 Las Palmas: Raphinha heads home from Joao Felix’s chipped pass.
79′ – Joao Felix hits the bar from close range.
87′ – Moleiro fires into the side-netting for Las Palmas.
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Katarzyna Nowak is a seasoned writer with over five years of experience in editorial content, news reporting, and cricket sportsbook app reviews. As an author for Latest Football News, she combines her deep understanding of the sports betting industry with a passion for cricket, delivering insightful and accurate content that keeps readers informed and engaged.
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