A stunning late goal by Antonio Puertas gave Granada a shock 1-1 draw against Barcelona in LaLiga on Saturday. Striker Luuk de Jong`s second-half header, following a perfect cross from Dani Alves, gave Barca the lead but Puertas pulled the home side level with his 89th-minute goal.

The Catalan giants were reduced to 10 players when Gavi was sent off in the 79th minute for fouling Alex Collado. "It all got very complicated after the red card," Barca midfielder Sergio Busquets told reporters. "We managed the game well in the second half, especially after the goal, but we were too anxious. After Gavi was sent off it was difficult for us to control the ball."

Barcelona are sixth in the standings with 32 points from 20 games, 14 points behind leaders Real Madrid. Granada, who are unbeaten in LaLiga since late November, are 12th with 24 points.

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De Jong and goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen, two of the most criticised Barca players in the first half of the season, were the bright spots for the Catalans for the second consecutive league match.

The Dutch forward, who had a goal disallowed by the video referee for a close offside, almost scored minutes later with a bicycle kick for the second week in a row, while Ter Stegen made a marvellous one-handed save of a powerful, low shot from Granada’s Darwin Machis.

Alves, making his first league appearance following his return to Barca after six years, helped the team with an assist and two crucial defensive clearances.

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The 38-year-old right back, who played in the 2-1 win at Linares in the Copa del Rey on Wednesday, became the oldest player to feature for Barcelona in a league match, surpassing Jose Manuel Pinto by 57 days.

Barca dominated most of the game but Granada redoubled their efforts when teenager Gavi was sent off after collecting a second yellow card.

Granada pressed until Puertas was in the right place at the right time to strike, sending a left-footed shot into Ter Stegen`s top left corner.

A stunning late goal by Antonio Puertas gave Granada a shock 1-1 draw against Barcelona in LaLiga on Saturday. Striker Luuk de Jong`s second-half header, following a perfect cross from Dani Alves, gave Barca the lead but Puertas pulled the home side level with his 89th-minute goal.

A stunning late goal by Antonio Puertas gave Granada a shock 1-1 draw against Barcelona in LaLiga on Saturday. Striker Luuk de Jong`s second-half header, following a perfect cross from Dani Alves, gave Barca the lead but Puertas pulled the home side level with his 89th-minute goal. The Catalan giants were reduced to 10 players when Gavi was sent off in the 79th minute for fouling Alex Collado. "It all got very complicated after the red card," Barca midfielder Sergio Busquets told reporters. "We managed the game well in the second half, especially after the goal, but we were too anxious. After Gavi was sent off it was difficult for us to control the ball." Barcelona are sixth in the standings with 32 points from 20 games, 14 points behind leaders Real Madrid. Granada, who are unbeaten in LaLiga since late November, are 12th with 24 points. Read Also | ISL 2021-22: ATK Mohun Bagan's clash against Odisha FC postponed due to Covid-19 De Jong and goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen, two of the most criticised Barca players in the first half of the season, were the bright spots for the Catalans for the second consecutive league match. The Dutch forward, who had a goal disallowed by the video referee for a close offside, almost scored minutes later with a bicycle kick for the second week in a row, while Ter Stegen made a marvellous one-handed save of a powerful, low shot from Granada’s Darwin Machis. Alves, making his first league appearance following his return to Barca after six years, helped the team with an assist and two crucial defensive clearances. Read Also | Borussia Moenchengladbach score two goals in four minutes to stun Bayern Munich in Bundesliga The 38-year-old right back, who played in the 2-1 win at Linares in the Copa del Rey on Wednesday, became the oldest player to feature for Barcelona in a league match, surpassing Jose Manuel Pinto by 57 days. Barca dominated most of the game but Granada redoubled their efforts when teenager Gavi was sent off after collecting a second yellow card. Granada pressed until Puertas was in the right place at the right time to strike, sending a left-footed shot into Ter Stegen`s top left corner.

Antonio Puertas' goal helps Granada pull off 1-1 draw against Barcelona in La Liga

Barcelona suffered a shock 2-1 home defeat by Granada on Thursday, conceding two second-half goals to blow the chance of moving top of La Liga.

The result was a body blow for Barca, who had lost just once in their previous 22 league games and no longer have the destiny of the title in their own hands.

"We're really down. We tried until the end but we weren't good enough in the attacking third and they've scored with their two attacks," Barcelona defender Jordi Alba told Movistar.

"It was a unique chance to go top after such a tough year. It's not in our hands but we need to win all the five remaining games and see what happens."

Things started well for the Catalans, who took the lead on 23 minutes after Antoine Griezmann teed up Lionel Messi for his 26th league goal of the season.

The Argentine forward was denied by Granada keeper Aaron Escandell one-on-one shortly afterward, and it proved to be a vital step in the context of the game - as well as the title race.

Darwin Machis leveled the scores on 63 minutes after Oscar Mingueza failed to cut out Luis Suarez's through ball and in the aftermath, Barca coach Ronald Koeman was sent off by referee Pablo Gonzalez Fuertes.

The hosts were stunned 11 minutes from time when substitute Jorge Molina headed in Adrian Marin's pinpoint cross from close range to secure a first-ever away win at Barcelona for Diego Martinez's side.

Barca sits third in the standings on 71 points, two points behind league leaders Atletico Madrid. They trail great rivals Real Madrid, who also have 71, in second place due to their inferior head-to-head record.

Koeman's red card means the Dutchman will likely miss Sunday's trip to former club Valencia, as well as next weekend's title showdown with Atletico.

Barcelona suffered a shock 2-1 home defeat by Granada on Thursday, conceding two second-half goals to blow the chance of moving top of La Liga. The result was a body blow for Barca, who had lost just once in their previous 22 league games and no longer have the destiny of the title in their own hands.

Barcelona suffered a shock 2-1 home defeat by Granada on Thursday, conceding two second-half goals to blow the chance of moving top of La Liga. The result was a body blow for Barca, who had lost just once in their previous 22 league games and no longer have the destiny of the title in their own hands. "We're really down. We tried until the end but we weren't good enough in the attacking third and they've scored with their two attacks," Barcelona defender Jordi Alba told Movistar. "It was a unique chance to go top after such a tough year. It's not in our hands but we need to win all the five remaining games and see what happens." Things started well for the Catalans, who took the lead on 23 minutes after Antoine Griezmann teed up Lionel Messi for his 26th league goal of the season. The Argentine forward was denied by Granada keeper Aaron Escandell one-on-one shortly afterward, and it proved to be a vital step in the context of the game - as well as the title race. Darwin Machis leveled the scores on 63 minutes after Oscar Mingueza failed to cut out Luis Suarez's through ball and in the aftermath, Barca coach Ronald Koeman was sent off by referee Pablo Gonzalez Fuertes. The hosts were stunned 11 minutes from time when substitute Jorge Molina headed in Adrian Marin's pinpoint cross from close range to secure a first-ever away win at Barcelona for Diego Martinez's side. Barca sits third in the standings on 71 points, two points behind league leaders Atletico Madrid. They trail great rivals Real Madrid, who also have 71, in second place due to their inferior head-to-head record. Koeman's red card means the Dutchman will likely miss Sunday's trip to former club Valencia, as well as next weekend's title showdown with Atletico.

Barcelona blow the chance to move at the top of La Liga

Spain's Alhambra palace and fortress complex, considered Europe's jewel of Moorish architecture, reopened to visitors in Granada, southern Spain, on Wednesday (June 17) after being shut for three months due to the coronavirus lockdown.

The Alhambra, Spain's jewel of Moorish architecture, reopens after three months

Barcelona&nbsp;threw on their stars of the present and the future on Saturday but neither Lionel Messi nor Ansu Fati could save them from a dismal 2-0 defeat away at Granada.&nbsp;

Messi was still not deemed fit enough to start at Los Carmenes while Fati, the 16-year-old who has lit up La Liga in recent weeks, also began the game on the bench.&nbsp;

But while both came on at half-time with Barca trailing to Ramon Azeez's opener, it was Granada that scored again, Alvaro Vadillo converting a penalty after Arturo Vidal was found guilty of a handball.&nbsp;

Barcelona&nbsp;have now won only two of their opening five league games and none away from Camp Nou, this their second loss already, just one fewer than the three they suffered during the entirety of last season.&nbsp;

With seven points on the board, this is their worst start to a season since 1994.

"Obviously I am worried," said coach Ernesto Valverde. "Because we are not getting good results and when that happens in two or three games, it means we are not playing well."

Instead, Granada go top of the table after capitalising on Atletico Madrid's goalless draw at home to Celta Vigo a few hours before.&nbsp;

They will stay there until Sunday, when Sevilla, Real Madrid or Athletic Bilbao could overtake them.&nbsp;

Barcelona&nbsp;are sixth, grasping onto the consolation of Messi's second substitute appearance in five days that now suggests he has finally recovered from the niggling calf injury sustained at the start of August.&nbsp;

Their problems though are unlikely to be solved simply by their captain's return.&nbsp;

Junior Firpo's error two minutes into his first start for the club gifted Granada their opening goal and set the tone for a chaotic night in defence.&nbsp;

And up front, Antoine Griezmann was quiet again, with little in any of the combinations to suggest Ernesto Valverde has yet worked out who will form his best attacking trio and in what positions.

"In the end, the coach is responsible and I feel responsible," Valverde said. "I always think you can win or lose but at least you have to deserve to win when you lose, and today it hasn't been like that."

Firpo's mistake came early, as he shaped to play a long ball over the top back to his goalkeeper. Instead, the lively Roberto Soldado stole possession and slipped in Antonio Puertas.&nbsp;

Messi impact limited

With Firpo on the floor, Gerard Pique scrambled across but Puertas' shot only looped up off the defender to the back post where Azeez headed in.&nbsp;

Granada seemed hungrier than Barca and their dominance persuaded Valverde to make two changes at half-time, Messi and Fati replacing Carles Perez and Firpo.&nbsp;

Messi won a free-kick 30 yards out but hit it straight at the wall while Marc-Andre ter Stegen fumbled a cross and had to react quickly to claw it back off his own line.&nbsp;

Any hopes of a Barca comeback were dashed in the 66th minute as Vidal handballed at the end of a scramble in the box and Vadillo made no mistake with the spot-kick.&nbsp;

One break saw Messi supply Fati but the teenager took too long and then Messi tried himself but his shot was straight at the goalkeeper. In the end, Granada were comfortable winners.&nbsp;

Atletico could have returned to the top of La Liga but were frustrated by a determined Celta Vigo.&nbsp;

After coming from two goals down to salvage a point against Juventus in the Champions League on Wednesday, Atletico failed to sustain the momentum in a match of few chances at the Wanda Metropolitano.&nbsp;

Diego Simeone's side won their opening three league games but are now two without a victory, following last weekend's shock defeat away at Real Sociedad.&nbsp;

This latest setback leaves Simeone with familiar questions to answer about his side's attacking threat.&nbsp;

Summer signing Joao Felix started before being replaced by Alvaro Morata in the second half, the Spanish striker available again after recovering from a knee injury.&nbsp;

But neither Felix nor Morata, or their partner Diego Costa, could conjur up the decisive opening, with full-backs Renan Lodi and Kieran Trippier by far the team's most creative outlets.

Atletico drop to third in the table while Celta climb to 14th.

Barcelona threw on their stars of the present and the future on Saturday but neither Lionel Messi nor Ansu Fati could save them from a dismal 2-0 defeat away at Granada.

Barcelona threw on their stars of the present and the future on Saturday but neither Lionel Messi nor Ansu Fati could save them from a dismal 2-0 defeat away at Granada. Messi was still not deemed fit enough to start at Los Carmenes while Fati, the 16-year-old who has lit up La Liga in recent weeks, also began the game on the bench. But while both came on at half-time with Barca trailing to Ramon Azeez's opener, it was Granada that scored again, Alvaro Vadillo converting a penalty after Arturo Vidal was found guilty of a handball. Barcelona have now won only two of their opening five league games and none away from Camp Nou, this their second loss already, just one fewer than the three they suffered during the entirety of last season. With seven points on the board, this is their worst start to a season since 1994. "Obviously I am worried," said coach Ernesto Valverde. "Because we are not getting good results and when that happens in two or three games, it means we are not playing well." Instead, Granada go top of the table after capitalising on Atletico Madrid's goalless draw at home to Celta Vigo a few hours before. They will stay there until Sunday, when Sevilla, Real Madrid or Athletic Bilbao could overtake them. Barcelona are sixth, grasping onto the consolation of Messi's second substitute appearance in five days that now suggests he has finally recovered from the niggling calf injury sustained at the start of August. Their problems though are unlikely to be solved simply by their captain's return. Junior Firpo's error two minutes into his first start for the club gifted Granada their opening goal and set the tone for a chaotic night in defence. And up front, Antoine Griezmann was quiet again, with little in any of the combinations to suggest Ernesto Valverde has yet worked out who will form his best attacking trio and in what positions. "In the end, the coach is responsible and I feel responsible," Valverde said. "I always think you can win or lose but at least you have to deserve to win when you lose, and today it hasn't been like that." Firpo's mistake came early, as he shaped to play a long ball over the top back to his goalkeeper. Instead, the lively Roberto Soldado stole possession and slipped in Antonio Puertas. Messi impact limited With Firpo on the floor, Gerard Pique scrambled across but Puertas' shot only looped up off the defender to the back post where Azeez headed in. Granada seemed hungrier than Barca and their dominance persuaded Valverde to make two changes at half-time, Messi and Fati replacing Carles Perez and Firpo. Messi won a free-kick 30 yards out but hit it straight at the wall while Marc-Andre ter Stegen fumbled a cross and had to react quickly to claw it back off his own line. Any hopes of a Barca comeback were dashed in the 66th minute as Vidal handballed at the end of a scramble in the box and Vadillo made no mistake with the spot-kick. One break saw Messi supply Fati but the teenager took too long and then Messi tried himself but his shot was straight at the goalkeeper. In the end, Granada were comfortable winners. Atletico could have returned to the top of La Liga but were frustrated by a determined Celta Vigo. After coming from two goals down to salvage a point against Juventus in the Champions League on Wednesday, Atletico failed to sustain the momentum in a match of few chances at the Wanda Metropolitano. Diego Simeone's side won their opening three league games but are now two without a victory, following last weekend's shock defeat away at Real Sociedad. This latest setback leaves Simeone with familiar questions to answer about his side's attacking threat. Summer signing Joao Felix started before being replaced by Alvaro Morata in the second half, the Spanish striker available again after recovering from a knee injury. But neither Felix nor Morata, or their partner Diego Costa, could conjur up the decisive opening, with full-backs Renan Lodi and Kieran Trippier by far the team's most creative outlets. Atletico drop to third in the table while Celta climb to 14th.

Barcelona's poor start continues with surprise defeat by Granada

Spain forward Nolito has joined Manchester City from Celta Vigo on a four-year contract, the Premier League side said today. 
 
The 29-year-old, who played all four games in Spain&#39;s Euro 2016 campaign, scored 39 goals in 103 appearances for Celta Vigo since joining the Spanish club in 2013, before spells at Granada, Benfica and Barcelona. 
 
New manager Pep Guardiola has already signed Australia midfielder Aaron Mooy from sister club Melbourne City and Ilkay Gundogan from Borussia Dortmund. 
 
&quot;I&#39;ll do everything that the manager asks of me, try my absolute best and do everything I can to try to repeat the form I&#39;ve shown throughout my career at various clubs,&quot; Nolito told the club&#39;s website. 
 
&quot;It&#39;s just about trying to play my normal game and let&#39;s hope that I can help Manchester City to win games.&nbsp;I think that Pep Guardiola is one of the best managers in the world. He knows a lot about the game and he&#39;s going to help me progress as a player and I&#39;m sure he&rsquo;ll get the best out of me.&quot; 
 
(Reuters)

The 29-year-old played in all four games of the Euro 2016, and scored 39 goals in 103 appearances since 2013

Spain forward Nolito has joined Manchester City from Celta Vigo on a four-year contract, the Premier League side said today. The 29-year-old, who played all four games in Spain's Euro 2016 campaign, scored 39 goals in 103 appearances for Celta Vigo since joining the Spanish club in 2013, before spells at Granada, Benfica and Barcelona. New manager Pep Guardiola has already signed Australia midfielder Aaron Mooy from sister club Melbourne City and Ilkay Gundogan from Borussia Dortmund. "I'll do everything that the manager asks of me, try my absolute best and do everything I can to try to repeat the form I've shown throughout my career at various clubs," Nolito told the club's website. "It's just about trying to play my normal game and let's hope that I can help Manchester City to win games. I think that Pep Guardiola is one of the best managers in the world. He knows a lot about the game and he's going to help me progress as a player and I'm sure he’ll get the best out of me." (Reuters)

Manchester City sign Spain's Nolito from Celta Vigo

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