Barcelona’s La Liga title hopes were dealt a setback as they followed up their famous Champions League win over Paris Saint-Germain with a 2-1 defeat against struggling Deportivo La Coruna at the Riazor Stadium.
Barcelona were below par on the day and fell behind to a close-range finish from Joselu in the 40th minute. Luis Suarez equalised seconds after the restart but an Alex Bergantinos header with fifteen minutes left to play sealed Deportivo’s win.
The result puts Real Madrid on top of the La Liga standings by two points, with a game in hand on Barcelona, as they managed to pull off a stunning comeback win over Real Betis later in the day. Here’s how the Barcelona players fared against Deportivo:
Made an excellent stop to thwart Joselu, only to undo the good work seconds later, when he spilled the ball for the Spaniard to tap home. Was beaten again by Bergantinos’ header.
Could have done better to clear the ball in the lead up to Depor’s opener. Got forward often and was guilty of leaving plenty of open spaces behind him.
Probably the best defender for Barcelona on the day. Solid at the back and offered a great threat in attack from set-pieces.
Returned to the line-up in place of Samuel Umtiti. Had little to do in terms of defensive work with his team bossing the possession, but was beaten in the air way too easily by Bergantinos for the second goal.
One of Barcelona’s best players on the day. Was slotted into the midfield and played well between the lines. Caused a few problems to the opposition defence.
One moment of lapse where he gave away the ball but wasn’t made to pay late in the game. Otherwise, put in a diligent display at the base of the midfield.
Another ineffective display from the summer signing. Was never really allowed to settle by the incessant pressing from Deportivo midfield. Taken off before the hour-mark.
Skilful and hard-working, but could not impose himself on the game. Sent in a few decent crosses from the right, one of which led to the opener.
Way below his usual level. Struggled to influence the proceedings coming up against a well-organized Deportivo defence. Gave away the ball on a few occasions.
Struggled in the first half, but thumped home the equaliser from inside the box with a brilliantly drilled effort. Was denied a second goal by some great goalkeeping.
Struggled to get into the game from the left-hand side on his first start post his return from injury. Ineffective display and as a result was hooked up in the 58th minute.
Came on to replace Turan, but failed to get his team going, despite spraying some delightful passes around.
Replaced Gomes in the 58th minute. Was virtually invisible after coming on.
Came on for Denis Suarez as Barca went on the chase for the equaliser. But did not add anything in terms of goal threat.
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