Digimagaz.com – In a thrilling La Liga encounter on Monday night, Granada managed to hold Barcelona to a dramatic 2-2 draw in the 2023/2024 La Liga season, maintaining the excitement of football fans worldwide. The match, which took place at Estadio Nuevo Los Carmenes, witnessed Granada taking an early two-goal lead before Barcelona mounted a late comeback.
The drama began in the very first minute of the match when Bryan Zaragoza stunned everyone with a lightning-quick goal. Zaragoza capitalized on a through pass and executed a precise shot, sending the ball into the back of the net. Granada surged ahead against the odds with that early strike against the mighty Barcelona.
Zaragoza continued to haunt Barcelona as he found the net again in the 29th minute. The 22-year-old striker received a well-placed through ball on the left side and skillfully outwitted Jules Kounde before firing a close-range shot past the goalkeeper, doubling Granada’s lead.
However, Barcelona managed to reduce the deficit just before halftime, in the 45th+1 minute. Joao Felix initiated a sequence of dazzling moves in the penalty area. Evading several defenders before sending a shot towards the far post. Simultaneously, Lamine Yamal appeared at the right place at the right time, easily slotting the ball into the unguarded net.
The second half saw Granada’s five-man defense proving to be a formidable obstacle for Barcelona. Barcelona had to resort to high crosses and relentless pressure to break through Granada’s resolute backline. Their golden opportunity finally arrived in the 69th minute when Ilkay Gundogan’s pinpoint cross was met with a powerful header by Ronald Araujo. However, Andre Ferreira displayed quick reflexes to secure his goal.
The equalizing goal materialized in the 86th minute, as Granada’s defense momentarily lost concentration. Alejandro Balde found himself unmarked on the left side. Receiving a low cross and slotting it into the middle of the goal. Sergi Roberto arrived precisely on time to guide the ball into the net, leveling the score.
Granada came agonizingly close to regaining their lead in the 88th minute after seizing the ball in Barcelona’s defensive zone. Unfortunately for Granada, Bryan Zaragoza’s shot only kissed the goalpost. Barcelona appeared to have scored again in the 90+4th minute, with Joao Felix heading the ball into the net. However, VAR intervened, controversially ruling out the goal due to an offside infringement involving Ferran Torres in the buildup.
As the final whistle blew, both teams had to settle for a hard-fought 2-2 draw, with neither gaining an advantage in the current league standings. Barcelona remains in third place with 21 points, while Granada sits in 19th place with six points. The match showcased the unpredictable nature of football and left fans eagerly anticipating the next thrilling encounter in La Liga.
Starting Lineups
Granada (4-4-2), Manager: Paco Lopez
Andre Ferreira; Ricard Sanchez, Miguel Angel, Ignasi Miquel, Carlos Neva; Bryan Zaragoza, Gonzalo Villar, Gerard Gumbau, Alvaro Fernandez; Myrto Uzuni, Lucas Boye.
Barcelona (4-3-3), Manager: Xavi Hernandez
Marc-Andre ter Stegen; Joao Cancelo, Jules Kounde, Andreas Christensen, Alejandro Balde; Gavi, Ilkay Gundogan, Fermin Lopez; Lamine Yamal, Ferran Torres, Joao Felix.
