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DPA
Barcelona
Barcelona conceded a last minute equalizer and dropped two crucial points against Cadiz in a 1-1 draw after dominating the game on Sunday in La Liga.
After Atletico Madrid lost against Levante on Saturday it was an opportunity for Ronald Koeman’s side to put pressure on the leaders. But deep-sitting Cadiz proved difficult to crack and found a stunning leveller through Alex Fernandez from the penalty spot in the 89th minute after a Clement Lenglet foul on Ruben Sobrino.
Lionel Messi had stroked home from the spot after Iza Carcelen fouled Pedri to break the deadlock in the 32nd minute, but the Catalans were punished for wasting several chances to add to their lead.
The result leaves Barcelona third, eight points behind Atletico and and five behind second-place Real Madrid.
“There are no excuses, we cannot permit more of this,” said Barcelona left-back Jordi Alba. “We knew that they would play tight at the back but this is Barcelona, there are no excuses. Today we had a unique opportunity we did not take advantage of it.” Barcelona lost 4-1 to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League last 16 first leg in midweek but the door was opened back up for them in La Liga after Atletico’s slip-up.
After Messi broke the deadlock in the first half Frenkie de Jong and Pedri had further goals disallowed for offside.
Ousmane Dembele missed a series of chances while Messi squared for Antoine Griezmann, who could not beat Jeremias Ledesma from close range.
The goalkeeper also denied Messi’s curled effort from distance to keep Cadiz in with a chance even as Barcelona dominated.
Cadiz defender Fali appeared to foul Messi but no penalty was awarded and Barcelona paid the price in the final stages when Lenglet clumsily kicked Sobrino. Alex, brother of Real Madrid defender Nacho Fernandez, converted from the spot to do his sibling’s side a favour.
“It’s painful after Atletico Madrid’s defeat, we could have closed the back today,” said Gerard Pique.
“I think they only had once clear chance but with the penalty in the last minute to drop two points is tough to take.
“We needed to get the three points today to close the gap at the top.
Each game you don’t win your chances of winning (the title) are reduced.” Elsewhere Real Sociedad, fifth, thrashed Alaves 4-0 with a hat-trick from Swedish striker Alexander Isak, while Portu added the fourth.
Athletic Bilbao and Villarreal shared a 1-1 draw while Huesca edged Granada 3-2 but stay bottom of the table, two points from safety.
Barcelona
Barcelona conceded a last minute equalizer and dropped two crucial points against Cadiz in a 1-1 draw after dominating the game on Sunday in La Liga.
After Atletico Madrid lost against Levante on Saturday it was an opportunity for Ronald Koeman’s side to put pressure on the leaders. But deep-sitting Cadiz proved difficult to crack and found a stunning leveller through Alex Fernandez from the penalty spot in the 89th minute after a Clement Lenglet foul on Ruben Sobrino.
Lionel Messi had stroked home from the spot after Iza Carcelen fouled Pedri to break the deadlock in the 32nd minute, but the Catalans were punished for wasting several chances to add to their lead.
The result leaves Barcelona third, eight points behind Atletico and and five behind second-place Real Madrid.
“There are no excuses, we cannot permit more of this,” said Barcelona left-back Jordi Alba. “We knew that they would play tight at the back but this is Barcelona, there are no excuses. Today we had a unique opportunity we did not take advantage of it.” Barcelona lost 4-1 to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League last 16 first leg in midweek but the door was opened back up for them in La Liga after Atletico’s slip-up.
After Messi broke the deadlock in the first half Frenkie de Jong and Pedri had further goals disallowed for offside.
Ousmane Dembele missed a series of chances while Messi squared for Antoine Griezmann, who could not beat Jeremias Ledesma from close range.
The goalkeeper also denied Messi’s curled effort from distance to keep Cadiz in with a chance even as Barcelona dominated.
Cadiz defender Fali appeared to foul Messi but no penalty was awarded and Barcelona paid the price in the final stages when Lenglet clumsily kicked Sobrino. Alex, brother of Real Madrid defender Nacho Fernandez, converted from the spot to do his sibling’s side a favour.
“It’s painful after Atletico Madrid’s defeat, we could have closed the back today,” said Gerard Pique.
“I think they only had once clear chance but with the penalty in the last minute to drop two points is tough to take.
“We needed to get the three points today to close the gap at the top.
Each game you don’t win your chances of winning (the title) are reduced.” Elsewhere Real Sociedad, fifth, thrashed Alaves 4-0 with a hat-trick from Swedish striker Alexander Isak, while Portu added the fourth.
Athletic Bilbao and Villarreal shared a 1-1 draw while Huesca edged Granada 3-2 but stay bottom of the table, two points from safety.
