By Darwin Largo
Barcelona had this Sunday a match that, theoretically, should not be too difficult. They faced Granada, one of the weakest teams in La Liga, who had barely won two games out of the 23 they had played and that is why they were in the penultimate place in the standings and in relegation zone.
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However, Xavi Hernandez did not want to take unnecessary risks or encounter unpleasant surprises and therefore decided that most of the squad's stars would be part of the starting lineup. In this way, he not only wanted the team to show its best possible level, but also for the players to gain confidence and rhythm with the aim of arriving in excellent condition for the first leg of the Champions League round of 16, which will be on Wednesday, February 21 against Napoli in Italy.
But nothing went as the coach had planned. The team's level was far from expectations and they were unable to beat Granada in Montjuic. Things had started well for them, as Lamine Yamal scored the opener 14 minutes into the first half and then Robert Lewandowski had the chance to double the lead. However, before the break the visitors netted the leveller through Ricard Sanchez.
And in the second half the surprises continued: former Manchester United player Facundo Pellistri completed the comeback after 15 minutes, but then Lewandowski scored the equaliser. And again Granada took the lead thanks to a header by Ignasi Miquel. Finally, again Yamal saved Los Blaugranas, although they had no time to look for the victory.
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With the draw against Granada, Barcelona are far from the top of the standings. They are now 10 points behind leaders Real Madrid and 5 points behind Girona, with 14 games left to the end of the season. Although mathematically they have a chance, it will be difficult for Los Merengues to lose so many points in the future, considering the good level they are showing in La Liga. That means that Xavi Hernandez's team can now only hope to win the Champions League.
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