Las Palmas 1-2 Barcelona : Five Talking Points
The La Liga Champions prevailed in a tough tie against Las PalmasBarcelona wrapped up their preparations for the riveting Champions League tie against Arsenal in an unconvincing fashion as they prevailed 2-1 over a spirited Las Palmas side to extend their unbeaten run to 31 games.Luis Suarez and Neymar got among the goals and the Spanish champions provisionally opened up a 9 point gap at the top.The hosts got the game off on the front foot as their high pressing threw the visitors into a tizzy, but contrastingly, Barcelona were the first to find the breakthrough as Suarez latched on to Jordi Alba's cross into the far pot.Willian Jose' equaliser shortly after gave hopes to the relegation battling Yellows, but Neymar spoiled the Canarian party with a fierce strike from close range.As the Blaugrana limped to the win, we glance at the major talking points from Gran Canaria today.
#1 Las Palmas play to the gallery
Promoted side Las Palmas played their best game of the season as they gave the reigning European champions a run for their money. Treading the drop zone for most of the campaign, the Canaries today played like they were one of the top teams in the division and comprehensively put Barcelona to the sword.
The hosts flew out of the traps from the word go as their high pressing and full-throttle football left the visitors on the tenterhooks. Catalan goalkeeper Claudio Bravo especially had one his busiest outings in a Barcelona shirt as the Chilean was tested time and again and never given any breathing space.
The writing was on the wall for the Canary Islanders even before the ball was kicked, but they tried to tear the script apart with a belter of a performance, that although may not have won the game, but did win many hearts.