(Football news) In their first game back, Barcelona drew 1-1 against Espanyol and are now level on points with Real Madrid. Sergio Busquets, Ousmane Dembele, Ronald Araujo and Jules Kounde were all left on the bench by Xavi. Marcos Alonso playing at center back gave Barcelona the lead in the 7th minute. The Blaugrana couldn’t get a second goal cushion and ended up conceding a goal in the 73rd minute. Former Real Madrid player Joselu won and scored the penalty that earned Espanyol a valuable point at the Camp Nou. 

The referee Mateu Lahoz produced 7 yellow cards for Barcelona and 6 for Espanyol. Each team was also given a red card each which isn’t unusual for the Spanish referee. Lahoz is one of the most controversial referees in the world and has been for the longest time. He last officiated the World Cup quarter final between Argentina and Netherlands which had its fair share of controversial decisions. Argentina players Lionel Messi and Emiliano Martinez both called out the referee for his officiating. After the game he was sent home early by FIFA after he issued 16 yellow cards and a red card in the Quarter finals.

He lost control of the game, Mateu is a referee who gives you the sense that he’s in control of the game but it was not the case today and I told him at the end of the game. He was giving out senseless cards

Xavi said after the game

Lahoz is infamous for his arguments with Pep Guardiola which have been going on for a long time. The issues with Lahoz are constant but he still remains a regular referee. He is possibly the only referee who dishes out cards to players for complaining. Xavi did say that the result was his team’s fault and not the referees. Barcelona’s next fixture is a Copa del Rey Round of 32 tie against CF Intercity. After that they have a match away at Wanda Metropolitano against Atletico Madrid.

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