Barcelona secured a 2-1 comeback win against 10-man Las Palmas in a contentious LaLiga match on Thursday, with Ilkay Gundogan converting a controversial stoppage-time penalty to claim victory.
Las Palmas took the lead in the 12th minute when former Barcelona midfielder Sandro Ramirez set up Munir El Haddadi to score from close range. The hosts dominated the first half, putting pressure on the visitors.
Barcelona responded 10 minutes into the second half, capitalizing on a defensive error. Sergi Roberto found Ferran Torres, who managed to beat Las Palmas keeper Alvaro Valles with a scruffy finish.
The tension escalated when Las Palmas defender Daley Sinkgraven received a red card for a push on Gundogan in added time. The former Manchester City midfielder stepped up to take the penalty and secured the dramatic win for Barcelona.
Las Palmas captain Kirian Rodriguez expressed dissatisfaction with the refereeing decisions, stating, “I hope all the audios come out; it’s not normal. It’s a question of referees appearing as little as possible, not of them being more important than the players.”
However, Barcelona coach Xavi defended the penalty decision, saying, “There is always tension. There are nerves, everyone wants to win. If you talk to me about the penalty, it seems clear to me. We won at the last moment with a penalty. I understand Kirian, but it’s a push, and it’s a penalty.”
With this victory, Barcelona moved to third place in the LaLiga standings with 41 points, trailing leaders Real Madrid and Girona by seven points. The team faces Barbastro on Sunday in the Copa del Rey before playing Osasuna in the Spanish Super Cup semi-finals on Thursday.
