“I’m angry, I don’t care much about my goal” - Raphinha furious with Barcelona for ‘lowering the level’ after defeat to Las Palmas
Barcelona star Raphinha lambasted the team's efforts in the side's shock 2-1 loss to Las Palmas at home in LaLiga on Saturday, November 30. The Brazilian suggested that despite his goal, La Blaugrana needed to perform better and keep their levels up.
He said (via Fabrizio Romano on Twitter):
"We’ve been doing poorly. We're lowering the level of what we were doing.”
“There are many things we are doing wrong. We have to turn things around on Tuesday. I’m angry, I don’t care much about my goal…"
A timid first-half performance saw Barcelona unable to create any real chances, with the exception of Raphinha hitting the woodwork late on. The visitors took the lead early in the second half via Sandro Ramirez (49'). The Brazilian winger responded for Barca in the 61st minute, scoring with a brilliant long-range effort.
Las Palmas hit them on the counter for the second time, making it 2-1 in the 67th minute through Fabio Silva. The Catalan giants pushed on for an equaliser but were denied by a firm defense, resigning them to their third loss in the league this season.
The result sees them hold their four-point lead at the top but Real Madrid now have two games in hand. Two wins for Los Blancos could see them go to the top of the table and they will try to begin with a win over Getafe on Sunday.
Barcelona dealt huge blow as star defender stretchered off
Barcelona received some difficult news as defender Alejandro Balde was forced off in their 2-1 loss to Las Palmas. The left-back managed just 25 minutes of action before having to be replaced by Gerard Martin.
In the first half, Balde clashed with Sandro Ramirez, seemingly getting hit in the neck region. He was spotted having difficulty breathing while also vomiting before leaving the field.
It represents a bit of an injury crisis for Barcelona, especially at the back. They were already without Ronald Araujo and Andreas Christensen heading into the fixture. A greater game load is expected to be placed on the likes of Pau Cubarsi, Inigo Martinez, and others in the upcoming fixtures.
La Blaugrana will be hoping to get back on track in LaLiga soon. A run of three games without a win including a loss to Real Sociedad and a draw with Celta Vigo preceded this loss. It has seen the side give up some ground to Real Madrid after their brilliant start to the campaign.