La Liga leaders Barcelona dropped points against Las Palmas. This is the third time in the last five games that the Catalan side has dropped points in the league. They remain unbeaten but their potency is beginning to diminish.
Lionel Messi scored the opener against Las Palmas with a brilliant free kick in the 21st minute. Then either due to Sergio Roberto’s light contact with Matias Aguiregeray or Lucas Digne alleged hand ball, the referee pointed to the spot. Jonathan Calleri stepped up to convert the penalty in the 48th minute. It was the first time since 2002 the lowly placed club claimed a point against Barcelona. It is also the first penalty against Barca in the Spanish top flight since February 2016 – almost 80 games ago.
Despite all the attempts Barcelona could not get a winner, which would have helped ahead of their Atletico game. Philippe Coutinho came off the bench but he could not inspire the team to victory as the home side remained resolute. Ousmane Dembele and Ivan Rakitic also came on but could not change the result.
Former AS Roma and Liverpool central midfielder Alberto Acquilani, Michel Macedo and David Garcia came on for the hosts but the scoreline remained the same. It is a crucial point for Las Palmas before they face Celta de Vigo in the next game.