Barcelona suffered a shocking 2-1 defeat at home to Las Palmas, further complicating their grip on the La Liga title race. The loss marked another setback for Xavi’s side, whose recent poor form has invited rivals Real Madrid back into contention. Real, with two games in hand, can close the gap at the top to just one point if they defeat Getafe on Sunday.
Following a disappointing defeat to Real Sociedad and a draw with Celta Vigo in recent weeks, Barcelona’s stuttering campaign continued at the Camp Nou. Despite dominating possession in a goalless first half, the hosts failed to capitalize on their chances, with Raphinha coming closest when his powerful strike rattled the crossbar.
The game came alive in the second half when former Barcelona forward Sandro Ramírez broke the deadlock in the 49th minute. Exploiting a defensive lapse, Ramírez raced clear and slotted the ball past Marc-André ter Stegen to give Las Palmas a surprise lead.
Barcelona responded swiftly, equalizing just six minutes later through Raphinha. The Brazilian, who had been lively throughout, unleashed a precise 25-yard drive that flew past Álvaro Valles and into the bottom corner. However, defensive frailties continued to plague the hosts, and Las Palmas capitalized.
Fabio Silva, on loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers, delivered the decisive blow in the 72nd minute. The Portuguese forward showed brilliant skill and composure, creating space between Barcelona’s center-backs before drilling a low shot past Ter Stegen to restore Las Palmas’ advantage.
Despite late pressure from Barcelona, Las Palmas held firm to secure a memorable victory, climbing to 14th in the table after starting the day in the relegation zone. Meanwhile, Barcelona’s position at the summit looks increasingly precarious. They remain four points ahead of Real Madrid, but their rivals are now poised to overtake them if they capitalize on their games in hand.
For Xavi and his team, the defeat raises serious questions about their ability to maintain consistency, with the title race now wide open. Las Palmas, however, will celebrate a remarkable performance that has lifted them away from immediate danger in the battle for survival.
