Barcelona was under-pressure before the start of the match as their star striker Lionel Messi was suspended for his bad behaviour in previously held International matches. Despite Messi absence Barcelona played well and hard to beat Granada by 4-1, with Luis Suarez an Neymar both reaching their 100 Barcelona goals in fashion. Win against Granada would have given hopes to Barcelona to winning LaLiga Championship.
As the match began in Los Carmenes Stadium Barcelona were still the favourite without Messi in the playing squad. Luis Enrique was clear with his game plan against Granada and hence he rested Gerard Pique after their table leaders Real Madrid defeated Alaves earlier. The team line of both the Teams showed their mindset as Barcelona placed a clean formation of 4-3-3 whereas Granada did some un-usual formation of 3-2-4-1, due to which Mid-field of Granada was left open hence it was easy for Barcelona to enter their Zone. Barcelona took full advantage of Granada formation and played an attacking soccer as they had 63% of Ball Possession during which they took 26 shots with 14 shots on target. Barcelona was just un-stoppable right from the kick-off, as they kept Granada un-pressure during entire pay. Just when everyone thought half time would end on 0-0, It was Uruguayan Star forward Luis Alberto Suarez who opened the score for Barcelona with a brilliant assist from Jordi Alba. Suarez hit crossbar couple of times and some good save from Granada goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa enthralled the First Half. At the end of Half-Time Barcelona lead the score by 1-0.
REAL MADRID CONTINUE THEIR CONSISTENT WINNING
Right after the start of second half Granada substitute Jermie Boga gave Barcelona a scare in 50’ when he scored the equaliser with an assist from Saunier. Soon in 64’Paco Alcacer gave Barcelona their lead with Luis Suarez clever assist. It has been a tremendous season for Luis Suarez as he has scored and assisted crucial goals for Barcelona. Granada was right on back-foot as they virtually started playing seven players at the back of the string in their own box. Neymar showed some great soccer skills with his mesmerising runs with the ball. Just then Neymar charges from left side and with a perfect set up for Suarez, but the ball instead bounce off at the edge of Granada box where a low shot is deflected past Ochoa resulting in own goal. It was evident from the body language of Granada’s players that they gave up so Barcelona attacked freely. Just then Neymar striked in 90+1’ with an impressive assist from Alcacer. Neymar looks threaten one more time right before fu time but the ball hit the post and got deflected. With this win Barcelona managed to reduce the difference from Real Madrid at the top of LaLiga with their next game against Sevilla. Hope Messi returns to side.
MATCH STATS:
- FC Barcelona has won all recent 5 home matches of the League in streak where Granada has lost recent home matches this League.
- Luis Suarez and Neymar Jr. Both completed their 100th goal this season for Barcelona.
