No spark from Barca
BARCELONA 0
MALAGA 0
Barcelona defender Gerard Pique insisted the absence of Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez was no excuse for the Spanish champions dropping two vital points in a 0-0 draw with nine-man Malaga yesterday morning (Singapore time).
Messi was ruled out just hours before kick-off due to illness, while the suspended Suarez looked on ruefully from the stands as an insipid Barca failed to find a way past Malaga's defensive wall and the inspired Carlos Kameni in goal.
NO EXCUSE
"The absences are not an excuse, we are Barca, we have players worth a lot of money. We all have to perform," Pique said.
"Sometimes the ball doesn't want to go in, but there is nothing we can do but keep going."
Barca boss Luis Enrique claimed he could only praise his side for a display in which they were "infinitely better" than their dogged visitors.
"We didn't get the reward we deserved," he said.- AFP.
OTHER RESULTS
Saturday
- Real Betis 2 Las Palmas 0
- Deportivo 2 Sevilla 3
- Eibar 1 Celta Vigo 0
Yesterday
- Alaves 0 Espanyol 1
Get The New Paper on your phone with the free TNP app. Download from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store now