Barcelona Needs Suicide Goals To Avoid Defeat

Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong against Rayo Vallecano. (fcbarcelona.com)

Barcelona had to work hard before picking up a point against Rayo Vallecano in the Spanish La Liga match at the Vallecas Stadium, Saturday, November 25 evening WIB. Ironically Barca needed an own goal to avoid defeat and a 1-1 draw.

Barca did not appear with the best squad when they visited Vallecano's headquarters. Spanish national team midfielder Gavi was absent due to a severe knee injury and had to undergo surgery.

In addition, goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen could not appear because of problems on the back. His position was replaced by Inaki Pena, who was first standing under the bar replacing Ter Stegen. Despite losing a number of pillar players, coach Xavi Hernadez was still able to field the strongest team. Moreover, midfielder Frenkie de Jong was able to return to play after a muscle injury that made him rest for more than a month.

However, Barca still has difficulty dealing with Vallecano. Moreover, the host played openly as well as well.

Their attack also paid off when Unai Lopez broke into Pena's goal through a beautiful volley from a long distance in the 39th minute.

Vallecano won 1-0. The score lasted until halftime because there were no additional goals. Barca also could not score a goal to equalize the score.

In the second half, Barca played more aggressively. As a result, the forward Raphinha almost scored. But his shot still hit the post.

Barca finally equalized after defender Florian Lejeune scored an own goal in the 82nd minute. The goal started with defender Alejando Balde's attempt to release a cross in front of the opponent's goal.

The bait was actually directed at striker Robert Lewandowski. However, Lejeune, who wanted to throw the ball away, made a mistake. Bla instead slid into the goal itself which changed the score to 1-1.

There was no change in the score. Barca also picked a point from that draw. The result did not change Barca's position in third place with 31.

Three points adrift of Girona who is at the top of the standings. Meanwhile, Real Madrid, who are in second place, have 32. Both Girona and Madrid have the opportunity to stay away from Barca if they win the match.

Vallecano himself managed to improve their position in the standings. They are ranked eighth with 19 points.