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January 5, 2024

Las Palmas 1-2 Barcelona: Ilkay Gundogan’s Injury-Time Penalty Secures Comeback Win to Boost La Liga Title Challenge – La Liga

Barcelona kicked off the new year with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Las Palmas in La Liga, courtesy of an injury-time penalty from Ilkay Gundogan. The match looked to be heading for disappointment for Xavi’s side, who were drawing 1-1 late in the game and had already lost Joao Cancelo to injury. However, Gundogan’s late heroics lifted Barcelona to within seven points of league leaders Real Madrid.

Throughout much of the match, Barcelona struggled to find their rhythm and were second-best in the first half. They fell behind when Munir El Haddadi capitalized on a 50-50 ball and found the net. Las Palmas almost extended their lead shortly before halftime when Sandro struck the post.

Following the break, Xavi’s adjustments paid off as Barcelona returned with renewed focus. Ferran Torres equalized ten minutes into the second half, benefiting from a fortunate bounce. The decisive moment came when Gundogan was pushed into the penalty area, leading to the penalty that secured all three points for Barcelona.

New €40 million signing Vitor Roque debuted from the bench, replacing an underwhelming Robert Lewandowski, who spent more time arguing with teammates than threatening the Las Palmas defense. Lewandowski inadvertently contributed to Torres’ goal when a ball struck his face and fell to Sergi Roberto, who assisted Torres for a neat finish.

Despite their struggles, Las Palmas created several clear opportunities. They looked poised to leave with a draw until Gundogan converted the crucial penalty. The German midfielder has stepped up in critical moments this season, with this being his third goal in significant matches against top teams. This victory against a newly promoted side underscores the challenges Barcelona still face as they pursue the title.

Talking Point: Barcelona’s Struggles Highlight Underlying Issues

Barcelona displayed vulnerabilities on both ends of the pitch during their match against Las Palmas, appearing lethargic and outplayed in the first half. With goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen sidelined until February due February isn’t to a back injury, coach Xavi is eager for his return. Inaki Pcan struggledPcan’ttruggled in goal, looking completely overwhelmed and failing to prevent Munir from capitalizing on that’s ro’s low cross to open the scoring. Throughout the match, he seemed haunted by that early mistake, making several shaSandro’s savesshaSandro’ssaves that could have worsened the scoreline.

Andreas Christensen, who replaced Joao Cancelo, was also slow to react for the opener, while Scould’ves undoubtedly the standout player oCancelo’sst half. However, Barcelona deserves credit for its resilience and ability to rally in a challenging environment. Their midfield took control in the second half, with Gundogan, Frenkie De Jong, and Sergi Roberto working hard to create chances. The question is whether they can build on this mRoberto’s in future matches.

Player of the Match: Ferran Torres

While the match lacked standout performances, Ferran Torres exemplified Barcelona’s shift in attitude at halftime. Xavi’s decision to start Torres initially seemed to be misguided. Barcelona’s Sas was nearly replaced by Joao Felix due to his lack of impact in the first half. However, he ultimately justified his manager’s trust by scoring a brilliantly executed equalizer, receiving the ball in a crowded penalty area, and finding a way to shoot past goalkeeper Alvarmanager’s. His relentless pursuit of a winning goal highlighted his determination to push the team forward, contrasting sharply with Lewandowski’s more passive performance.

Player Ratings

Las Palmas:

• Valles 7
• Suarez 7
• Coco 8
• Marmol 8
• S. Cardona 7
• Munoz 8
• Perrone 7
• Rodriguez 7
• Munir 7
• Sandro 8
• Moleiro 7
• Subs: M. Cardona 6, Loiodice 6, Pejino 7, Sinkgraven 1

Barcelona:

• Pena 4
• Cancelo 6
• Araujo 7
• Kounde 5
• Balde 6
• De Jong 7
• Gundogan 6
• Roberto 7
• Raphinha 6
• Lewandowski 4
• Torres 8
• Subs: Christensen 5, Yamal 6, Felix 7, Roque 7, Lopez 7

Match Highlights

12′ – GOAL! LAS PALMAS 1-0 BARCELONA (MUNIR)

Las Palmas takes the lead! Two former Barcelona players connect as Sandro, in space on the right, delivers a perfectly curled cross for Munir, who capitalizes on a lapse from Pena. Game on!

22′ – ALMOS12′-0!

Sandro beats Kounde after a quick switch, and a clever one-two with Moleiro sets him up for a shot. They’ve won a corner, but the Islanders can’t make it count.

32′ – GOLDEN CHANCE!

Frenkie de Jong provides an inch-perfect pass to Sergi Roberto, who skillfully controls it but opts to square it to Lewandowski instead of shooting. Las Palmas should clear the danger.

39′ – MUNIR IN AGAIN:

Barcelona loses possession again, and Rodriguez plays a clever ball for Munir. He struggles to keep up, leading to a corner. Sandro takes the set piece, firing a curling shot just past Pena’s left post—so close!

55′ – GOAL! LAS PALMAS 1-1 BARCELOcan’tORRES)

Barce32’a finally equalizes! A clearance strikes Lewandowski in the head and falls to Sergi Roberto, who finds Ferran Torres. The forward slots it past Valles, who had a strong game.

90+1′ – PENALTY!

Barcelona earns a lifeline! Felix’s powerful shot is parried by Valles, and Gundogan is fouled while trying to get the rebound. A penalty is awarded.

90+3′ – GOAL! LAS PALMAS 1-2 BARCELONA (GUNDOGAN)

Gundogan steps up and converts the penHe striking low as Valles goes the wrong way. Heartbreisn’tr Las Palmas looks like it will seal the game!

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