Barcelona secured a convincing 2-0 victory against Las Palmas, showcasing their squad's depth and talent on the challenging pitch of Gran Canaria.
Marc Casado, who made his return to the starting lineup after stepping in for Frenkie de Jong, played a pivotal role, demonstrating the quality available to coach Xavi Hernandez. After the match, Casado remarked, "This is a squad with a lot of quality and world-class players. We all give a good performance and we are eager." This confidence was palpable as Barcelona reclaimed the top spot on the La Liga table, bolstered by their solid performance.
Following the match, Casado highlighted the importance of the victory, stating, "It’s an important victory on a difficult pitch, we took advantage of the opportunities and the win gives us confidence and allows us to stay in first place." He acknowledged, though, the team’s struggles to find their rhythm, particularly during the first half. "We were hasty... some rushed decisions affected our play," he admitted.
On the other end of the pitch, defender Eric Garcia found himself at the center of controversy when Las Palmas' penalty appeal was denied. Garcia was adamant about his belief the play was offside prior to the incident where the ball struck his arm. "I was very clear... then the ball hit him in the hand. Then it hit me when I was going to put it on the ground... the play would have ended there," he said, reflecting on the moments leading to the VAR intervention.
The VAR situation became sticky as the match referee, Cordero Vega, was asked to review the incident, resulting in confusion on the field. Garcia expressed his bewilderment at the decision-making process surrounding the VAR recommendation, questioning why the review was necessary when the offside seemed obvious: "What we don’t understand is why they made him review the play when they already knew it was offside." According to Garcia, the offside position should have concluded the play, but VAR complicated the situation.
Barcelona's victory was not solely defined by the controversy. After taking time to adjust their positioning and strategy at halftime, the team emerged with renewed energy, demonstrating their ability to adapt under pressure. Eric Garcia stated, "We were imprecise... but we adjusted our strategy at halftime," emphasizing the adaptability of the squad.
Looking forward, the players know the stakes are high. The competition for starting positions remains fierce, pushing each member of the team to deliver their best whenever their number is called. The resolve exhibited by the team serves as assurance for fans as they aim to maintain their lead at the top of La Liga.
This match serves as yet another reminder of the fraught relationship teams have with VAR and the controversy it can generate. While Barcelona celebrated their solid performance and the three points gained, Las Palmas were left to ponder what could have been had the referee ruled differently.
For Barcelona, the combination of striving for victory and ironing out the wrinkles caused by officiation disputes continues to shape their season. The ability to remain composed and focused on upcoming challenges will be pivotal as they navigate this competitive league.