Relegation-threatened Las Palmas signaled their intent early on, exploiting Barcelona’s high defensive line but failing to capitalize on their initial chances. Flick’s side dominated possession and moved the ball into promising areas but lacked the sharpness to convert opportunities into goals.
Barcelona nearly grabbed the lead in first-half stoppage time when Raphinha broke free from the halfway line, leaving Las Palmas’ defenders scrambling, but his shot cannoned off the crossbar.
The second half began similarly to the first, but this time Las Palmas capitalized on their opportunities, surging forward on the counter-attack as Sandro Ramirez fired a powerful shot past Inaki Pena. By the 56th minute, Flick had made five substitutions—one forced by injury—in an effort to inject energy into Barca’s attack. His changes paid off five minutes later when Pedri set up Raphinha, who unleashed a stunning strike from outside the box to level the score.
Just as Barcelona seemed to be in control, Las Palmas struck again. Javi Munoz delivered a brilliant pass behind the defense, allowing Fabio Silva to race through and finish clinically. Despite their relentless efforts, Barca couldn’t find a second equalizer.
After the game, Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick acknowledged his team’s dip in form following their defeat to Las Palmas, admitting they struggled with transitions and delivered a poor performance.
“I don’t think there is a lack of confidence in the players. Players alone can’t win games, it’s always about the team. We need to have good connections in defense and in attack, and today we didn’t have them,” Flick told reporters post-match.
Las Palmas spoil Barcelona's 125th anniversary at home 😬 pic.twitter.com/jvl57RPHg0
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) November 30, 2024
Mohd Faisal Hakak is a sports author from Kashmir. He likes to keep tabs on the sporting world with a keen interest in football, motorsports, NBA, and other marquee sports. He is a science graduate from Islamia College Srinagar.
