Luis Suarez's double helps Messi-less Barcelona to a 2-1 victory over Las Palmas
Barcelona faced recently promoted side Las Palmas and won the game 2-1. The team from the Camp Nou though had Luis Suarez to thank for the result, as he was the star of the match. Lionel Messi though was not so fortunate as he had to be taken off in the middle of the game due to an injury.
The Catalans came into the game trying to redeem themselves after their horrible 4-1 loss against Celta Vigo which was the first time since 2008 they lost a league match with a goal difference greater than three. Las Palmas, on the other hand, were looking to win their second game of the season with their only victory coming from the 2-0 victory against Sevilla.
Teams
Barcelona (4-3-3): Ter Stegen, Mascherano, Bartra, Pique, Adriano, Busquets, Sergi Roberto, Rakitic, Neymar, Suarez, Messi.
Las Palmas (5-3-2): Varas, Simon, Bigas, Aythami, Alcaraz, Castellano, Roque, Hernan, Wakaso, Viera, Araujo.
First Half: Luis Suarez helps Barcelona into the lead
Barcelona started the game strong right from the get-go but received a huge blow when their star forward Lionel Messi had to be taken off in the eighth minute. While youngster Munir was the player to replaced Messi, the game seemed quite mellow without the Argentine’s presence. Most of the pressure fell onto Suarez and Neymar’s shoulder and it was the Uruguayan who stepped up and filled the gap left by Messi.
He scored the first goal for Barcelona 20 minutes into the game after heading the ball into the back of the net. The 28-year-old striker had Sergi Roberto to thank as the young Spaniard sent a sublime cross into the box from the right wing.
While Suarez continued to create opportunities for Barcelona, they were unable to find the necessary finish and ended the first half only one goal up.
Second Half: Neymar misses penalty; Las Palmas keep scoreline respectable
A few minutes into the second half, Barcelona scored their second goal courtesy of Luis Suarez. The player smashed the ball into the back of the net from 10 yards out after Munir sent a smooth pass in his direction.
Ter Stegen, who had barely been tested up until that point had to make a save when Las Palmas striker Araujo smashed a left-footed strike at goal. The German managed to get to the ball and fisted it away.
Neymar had the opportunity to increase Barcelona’s lead after teammate Suarez won a penalty. The Brazilian though squandered the opportunity by sending the ball way above the crossbar.
While Barcelona’s victory seemed assured, they lost their clean sheet when Las Palmas forward Jonathan Viera pulled one back for his team. Although the team were unable to win the game, they could take solace in the fact that they kept the margin of loss respectable and put in a good shift all through the match.
Following this game, Barcelona have 15 points from six matches while Las Palmas have 5 points from the same number of matches.
Watch the highlights of the match here: