Ronald Koeman is SENT OFF as Barcelona miss their chance to go top of LaLiga despite Lionel Messi netting his 26th league goal of the season as Granada come from behind to claim their first LaLiga victory at the Nou Camp
- Barcelona missed the chance to go top of La Liga after surprise home defeat
- Messi combined with Griezmann before slotting into the far corner for first goal
- Machis netted second-half equaliser before sub Molina headed home the winner
Ronald Koeman was red-carded and Barcelona were left red-faced as they blew their big chance to go top of La Liga by throwing away a one goal lead at the Camp Nou and falling to a 2-1 defeat against Granada.
Koeman was sent to the stands in the second half after the first of the two Granada goals went in. He spent the last 20 minutes in desperate phone conversation with his number two Alfred Schreuder but multiple changes barely put a dent in Granada’s stubborn resistance. Koeman will now be banned from the touchline for Sunday’s game with Valencia.
‘The referee’s report said I disrespected the fourth official but that is not true,’ Koeman said.
Antoine Griezmann teed up Lionel Messi for his 26th league goal of the season
‘It was a unique chance to go top after such a tough year. It’s not in our hands but we need to win all the five remaining games and see what happens.’
Things started well for the Catalans, who took the lead on 23 minutes after Antoine Griezmann teed up Lionel Messi for his 26th league goal of the season.
The Argentine forward was denied by Granada keeper Aaron Escandell one-on-one shortly afterwards, and it proved to be a vital stop in the context of the game – as well as the title race.
Messi watches on as the visitors celebrate after levelling the scores in the 63rd minute
Machis fired the ball home after Oscar Mingueza failed to cut out Luis Suarez’s through ball
Darwin Machis levelled the scores on 63 minutes after Oscar Mingueza failed to cut out Luis Suarez’s through ball and in the aftermath Barca coach Ronald Koeman was sent off by referee Pablo Gonzalez Fuertes.
The hosts were stunned 11 minutes from time when substitute Jorge Molina headed in Adrian Marin’s pinpoint cross from close range to secure a first-ever away win at Barcelona for Diego Martinez’s side.
Barca sit third in the standings on 71 points, two points behind league leaders Atletico Madrid. They trail great rivals Real Madrid, who also have 71, in second place due to their inferior head-to-head record.
Koeman’s red card means the Dutchman will likely miss Sunday’s trip to former club Valencia, as well as next weekend’s title showdown with Atletico.
The Argentine can’t hide his disappointment after Jorge Molina scored their second goal
Barca coach Ronald Koeman in the stand after being sent off by ref Pablo Gonzalez Fuertes
