Barcelona secured a dramatic comeback win against Las Palmas, with Ilkay Gundogan scoring a disputed stoppage-time penalty. Trailing after Munir El Haddadi’s early goal, Barcelona found the equalizer through Ferran Torres before the decisive moment unfolded in the dying minutes.
Las Palmas substitute Daley Sinkgraven was shown a straight red card for pushing Gundogan just as the ex-Manchester City midfielder was about to nod in a crucial cross on the goal line. The contentious decision led to further frustration for Las Palmas as Gundogan calmly converted from the spot. The late penalty and red card fueled anger among the Las Palmas players, with captain Kirian Rodriguez expressing disbelief and calling for a review of the incident.
Barcelona manager Xavi acknowledged the tension in the match but defended the referee’s decision, stating that the push on Gundogan was clear and justified. The victory propelled Barcelona to 41 points from 19 matches in La Liga, marking their second-highest tally at this stage in the last five seasons. Despite the controversy, Barcelona now sits in third place in the table, trailing seven points behind leaders Real Madrid and Girona.
Xavi Addresses Controversial Ending and Tension in Victory
Barcelona’s win over Las Palmas was not without controversy, as the match concluded with a disputed stoppage-time penalty that secured their comeback victory. Xavi, the Barcelona boss, acknowledged the tension in the encounter, emphasizing the desire to win that fueled nerves on both sides.
The turning point came when Daley Sinkgraven, a Las Palmas substitute, received a straight red card for pushing Ilkay Gundogan just as the midfielder was poised to score from close range. The subsequent penalty, calmly converted by Gundogan, further intensified the debate around refereeing decisions. Las Palmas captain Kirian Rodriguez voiced his frustration, calling for a thorough review of the incident and emphasizing the need for referees to have a minimal impact on the game.
Despite the controversy, Xavi defended the legitimacy of the penalty, stating that it was a clear case of a push. Barcelona’s victory elevated them to the third spot in the La Liga table, with 41 points from 19 matches, marking a significant achievement in their quest for the title. Meanwhile, Las Palmas, now sitting in 10th place, suffered back-to-back defeats, leaving them with lingering disappointment over the contentious ending to the match.
