Barcelona travelled to Deportivo La Coruna on Sunday afternoon looking to stretch their lead at the top of La Liga to four points.
Deportivo led at the end of the first period courtesy of a close-range finish from Joselu, but Luis Suarez's powerful strike levelled the scores less than one minute into the second half.
The home side regained the lead in the 74th minute through Alex Bergantinos, however, and that proved to be the winning goal at the Riazor.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Afternoon all! Sports Mole's live La Liga coverage continues from the Riazor as an out-of-form Deportivo La Coruna welcome the league leaders Barcelona, who will still be on a high following their Champions League exploits during the week. It could be a long afternoon for Deportivo, who have not won a league game against the Spanish champions since 2008. Stay tuned for all of the action!
Deportivo have actually gone 13 games without tasting victory against Barcelona – losing nine times in the process. As mentioned, their last league win over Barcelona came at the Riazor in 2008. Since then, they have drawn once and lost five of their six meetings. In the corresponding game last season, Barcelona incredibly recorded an 8-0 win – Deportivo's biggest ever defeat in La Liga.
Right, without further ado, let me bring you up-to-speed with the all-important team news from the Riazor. Deportivo hosted Real Betis in La Liga on Wednesday, while Barcelona were in Champions League action against Paris Saint-Germain on the same night, which I shall discuss later! Any changes?
TEAMS!
DEPOR: Lux; Juanfran, Albentosa, Arribas, Navarro; Bergantinos, Borges; Gama, Fajr, Gil; Joselu
BARCA: Ter Stegen; Roberto, Pique, Mascherano, Alba; Busquets, Denis, Gomes; Turan, Suarez, Messi
Deportivo boss Pepe Mel has shuffled his pack following the 1-1 draw with Betis on Wednesday night, with Joselu, Fernando Navarro, Alex Bergantinos, Bruno Gama and Raul Albentosa all coming into the XI. Carles Gil keeps his spot in an attacking midfield which also includes Faycal Fajr, while Costa Rican Celso Borges, who scored a 93rd-minute penalty against Betis, retains his spot in the middle of midfield. Florin Andone and Pedro Mosquera, however, both miss out through suspension.
© Getty Images
As for Barcelona, head coach Luis Enrique has made five changes to the team that started against PSG. Neymar and Rafinha both miss out through injury, while Samuel Umtiti, Ivan Rakitic and Andres Iniesta have also dropped out of the side. Sergi Roberto and Jordi Alba both return to the XI in the full-back positions, while Denis Suarez, Andre Gomes and Arda Turan are also brought into the team.
So there we have it. The two teams are in and we are now just about 40 minutes from kickoff on this warm afternoon in La Coruna. I shall speak about the home side a little bit later, but let's start with Barcelona. Of course, today's match is all about the league, but it would not be right to discuss the Catalan giants without first mentioning what happened on Wednesday night at Camp Nou.
Ahead of their last-16 second leg against PSG at Camp Nou, Barcelona were as good as out of the Champions League after losing the first leg 4-0 in Paris. The Spanish giants managed to score three unanswered goals in the first 50 minutes of the match to leave themselves within one of PSG, but when Edinson Cavani scored an away goal for the French champions, the tie looked over once again.
© SilverHub
Indeed, Barcelona still needed three goals to qualify when the clock struck the 88th minute, but a sensational Neymar free kick made it 4-1 Barcelona on the night, before Neymar scored from the penalty spot in the 91st minute to leave Enrique's side needing just one more goal. Incredibly, that goal came in the 95th minute when Sergi Roberto converted a chipped pass from Neymar.
For the first time in Champions League history, a team turned around a 4-0 deficit from the first leg of a knockout clash. Barcelona won 6-1 on the night and 6-5 on aggregate as PSG incredibly exited the competition. That result means that the Spanish outfit have now won their last five games in all competitions, including four in the league to top the table. Things are going very well for the Spanish champions.
Barcelona won 2-1 at Atletico in the league on February 2, before thumping Sporting Gijon 6-1 and Celta Vigo 5-0 in their last two. Sevilla only drew yesterday to remain in third position in the table - three points behind Barcelona - while Real Madrid are one point behind Barcelona in second. Los Blancos will host Real Betis tonight and you can follow that one with Sports Mole from 6.45pm.
© SilverHub
Barcelona are actually unbeaten in their last 19 La Liga matches – recording 14 wins in the process. They have also not lost in their last nine league games on the road – recording six victories. Suddenly, from a 'crisis' and Enrique announcing his resignation, Barcelona are into the quarter-finals of the Champions League, the final of the Copa del Rey, and top La Liga. Not too bad then.
As for Deportivo, a run of just one win from their last 12 league matches has left the Galician club down in 17th position. They have only won five of their 26 league fixtures this term, although they are currently five points clear of 18th-place Granada and therefore the situation is not terminal.
The team's poor run of form in 2017 led to Gaizka Garitano being relieved of his duties as head coach, and the vastly experienced Pepe Mel is now in the hot-seat in La Coruna. Indeed, Deportivo are unbeaten in their three games since Mel took charge – drawing 1-1 with Atletico Madrid and Real Betis, in addition to recording a 1-0 victory away to Sporting Gijon on March 5.
© Getty Images
Deportivo might have only won one of their last 12 in the league, but seven of those fixtures have finished level. They have actually only lost one league game on home soil since Sevilla recorded a 3-2 victory back in November and Mel's side will be hoping that Barcelona are still recovering from their Champions League exploits during the week. The atmosphere is building as kickoff approaches here.
Deportivo, who famously lifted the Spanish title in the 1999-2000 season, have finished 18th, 19th, 16th and 15th in their last four La Liga campaigns, which is an indication of their struggles in recent seasons. They are currently in their third successive campaign in Spain's top flight, but their place is under threat as we enter the business end of the season. Relegation is a genuine fear at this stage.
Riazor, 1.500 partidos despois, imos aló! #DéporFCB #DaleDÉ pic.twitter.com/kS00nKX8VM — RC Deportivo (@RCDeportivo) March 12, 2017
Here we go then - both sets of players have joined us on the pitch ahead of the first 45 minutes of action. Not quite a full house inside the stadium, but there is a good atmosphere and the home supporters will be expecting a performance from their side. Let's hope for an entertaining match!
KICKOFF! Deportivo kick things off in La Coruna...
... you just get the feeling that Deportivo will need to score first this afternoon if they are to stand a chance of securing a positive result. This is far from Barcelona's strongest side, but the visitors should still have too much quality for Deportivo here. Enrique's side have the early possession.
As expected, Barcelona have been in control of the ball in the early moments, with Deportivo prepared to sit deep and absorb the pressure. The match is yet to really open up in La Coruna.
Deportivo have the chance to threaten from a free kick after Navarro is brought to the ground by Denis Suarez, but the resulting free kick from Fajr is headed clear by Gerard Pique.
We have not seen an awful lot from either Messi or Luis Suarez in the opening eight minutes of this match, with Deportivo quite comfortable in dealing with the pressure thus far. The match has settled into a pattern of Barcelona dominating the ball and Deportivo sitting in a deep shape.
Juanfran delivers a deep cross into the Barcelona box, but Joselu cannot make contact and the visitors resume from the dead-ball line. Juanfran has actually been linked with a move to the Spanish champions over the last few months and will be keen to put on a performance here.
SAVE! Joselu tests Ter Stegen's handling with a strike from distance.
Not an awful lot to report in the last few minutes as both teams continue to exchange possession of the ball. Deportivo's high press is forcing the visitors into some mistakes at the moment.
BOOKING! Navarro (Deportivo) is booked for a late tackle on Roberto.
Pass, pass, pass from Barcelona as they look to create some space in the final third, but Deportivo are up to the task and once again manage to nick the ball and launch a counter-attack through Gil.
Just when you think that Barcelona are about to create something in the final third, Deportivo get a defender in the way and manage to close the door. The only shot on target thus far has come from Deportivo, with Barcelona just struggling to get going as this first period continues to gather pace.
Barcelona continue to dominate the ball in the final third of the field, but they are finding it very difficult to open up this Deportivo defence, which is extremely well-drilled at the moment.
Super work from Barcelona as Messi and Luis Suarez combine in the final third, but Deportivo have enough bodies back to clear the danger. First sign of the visitors moving through the gears here.
The rain is really falling in La Coruna at the moment, and in truth, this match is a bit like the conditions. Neither side has managed to get anything going in the final third of the field, but Mel will be delighted with his team's performance in the opening 25 minutes of this La Liga contest.
Luis Suarez looks to set up Denis Suarez with a low cross inside the Deportivo box, but Arribas is on hand to make the clearance and Gama can break down the right for the home side here.
CHANCE! Super chance for Barcelona to take the lead as Luis Suarez meets a cross from Alba, but his header is straight into the arms of the Deportivo goalkeeper. Big chance there!
Andre Gomes looks to pick out the top corner with a curling effort, but it was a tough ask from a wide position and Deportivo survive another dangerous moment. Still goalless in La Coruna.
You just get the feeling that Barcelona are close to netting the first goal of the match. Deportivo's shape has been pulled apart in the last few minutes and gaps are starting to arrive in the final third. Just a reminder that a win for Barcelona would take them four points clear of second-place Real Madrid.
Little over 10 minutes of the first period remaining and Deportivo are seeing little of the ball at the moment as Barcelona continue to pass and probe at pace in the final third of the field.
The offside flag has not been kind to Luis Suarez in this first period as another call goes against the centre-forward. Deportivo are 10 minutes away from holding Barcelona in the first period here.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Barcelona as Roberto finds himself free inside the Deportivo box, but the right-back attempts to pick out Luis Suarez instead of going for goal and Lux is on hand to stop the cross. Big moment for the visitors there and Deportivo survived it!
BOOKING! Joselu (Deportivo) is booked for a poor tackle on Denis.
Little over five minutes of the first period remaining and we are still goalless in La Coruna. Barcelona have had the better chances, but Deportivo have been very resolute at the back.
SAVE! Deportivo come close to taking the lead as Joselu sends one towards the bottom corner, but Ter Stegen is on hand to make a wonderful save. Big moment in this game!
GOAL! Deportivo 1-0 Barcelona (Joselu)
Deportivo make the breakthrough in the 40th minute of this match as Joselu smashes the ball home from close range after Ter Stegen had fumbled a loose kick from Mascherano!
Barcelona come close to levelling on a couple of occasions, but Alba's sees his low cross deflected just wide, before Pique misses the crossbar from the resulting corner. It is so important that Deportivo hold out in the final stages of this first period. What a half it has been for the home side.
HALF-TIME: Deportivo 1-0 Barcelona
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to a close with Deportivo leading Barcelona 1-0 at the interval courtesy of a close-range finish from Joselu. Barcelona have had chances to register this afternoon, but the Spanish champions have been far from their best in La Coruna.
STATISTICS! Barcelona dominated the first-half possession with 71%, while they managed six attempts, although just one of those was on target. Deportivo, meanwhile, hit the target with three of their four attempts and impressed in forward positions. Two yellows to report - Navarro and Joselu.
BENCH WATCH! Barcelona have a number of attacking options on their bench this afternoon, with the likes of Alena, Iniesta, Alcacer and Rakitic all available for Luis Enrique. Deportivo, meanwhile, have options in the shape of John and Moreno, and fit-again Kakuta is also back on their bench.
RESTART! Barcelona resume the action in La Coruna...
... no changes from either side at the break, although Iniesta and Rakitic were both warming-up for Barcelona at the break and it would not be a surprise to see changes in the next 10, 15 minutes here.
GOAL! Deportivo 1-1 Barcelona (Luis Suarez)
Oh my word! Barcelona level in the 46th minute of this match as Luis Suarez smashes the ball home from close range after finding himself free inside the Deportivo box. All square then!
All Barcelona here as they continue to pass and probe in the final third of the field. This is going to be a very tough second period for Deportivo, whose lead has quickly been taken away here.
Gil is a touch unfortunate not to get a free kick just outside the Barcelona box after Busquets bundled into the number 11. Iniesta and Rakitic are still both warming-up for the visitors and it would not be a surprise to see one or both of those enter the field in the second period.
Just a reminder that Real Madrid are in action at home to Real Betis tonight and you can follow the action from that one live from 6.45pm. Barcelona will be looking to open up a four-point lead at the summit before that match, but the reigning champions have work to do in La Coruna here.
Turan whips a dangerous cross into the Deportivo box, but Lux is on hand to claim and the home side can break down the other end. Bergantinos and Fajr both have half-chances for Deportivo, but neither can test Ter Stegen as Barcelona survive a couple of dangerous moments here.
Deportivo have been excellent in the last five minutes or so and Luis Enrique is going to make a change in a bid to stop the flow of pressure, which has been one-way since Barcelona scored.
Half-chance for Barcelona to take the lead as Turan finds Messi outside the Deportivo box, but the Argentine's effort is over the crossbar. Rakitic is about to enter the field for the away side here.
BARCELONA SUBS! Iniesta and Rakitic replace Turan and Andre Gomes.
Little over 30 minutes of this La Liga contest to play and the two teams are still locked at 1-1. You just get the feeling that there are more goals in this match, but Deportivo are just as likely to score. Barcelona really need to win ahead of Real Madrid's home game with Real Betis tonight.
DEPORTIVO SUB! Colak replaces Gil in Deportivo's first change.
Not too much to report in terms of clear chances in the last few moments, but Deportivo are very much in this game as they continue to enjoy possession in the final third of the field here.
SAVE! Ter Stegen drops down to keep out a long-range strike from Gama.
SAVE! Lux keeps out Denis Suarez down the other end as this game opens up!
The game is very stretched at the moment as both teams continue to commit players in the final third of the field. Deportivo can break clear once again after excellent work from Gama, but Barcelona manage to get bodies behind the ball. This is anyone's game at the moment in La Coruna.
Little over 20 minutes of football remaining at the Riazor and Barcelona are currently in control of the possession, but without really threatening to score a second goal. Delicately poised here!
Deportivo are very deep at the moment as they continue to defend their own box, but Barcelona are finding it difficult to create clear chances. Indeed, anything that comes into the home side's box is being headed away. You still get the feeling that there is another goal in this match though.
DEPORTIVO SUB! Kakuta replaces Gama.
Colak curls one harmlessly wide of Barcelona's far post.
Juanfran has a low strike deflected wide of the Barcelona post as the home side continue to threaten a second goal. Barcelona need to raise their game if they are to nick this late on.
SAVE! Wonderful save from Ter Stegen as the Barcelona goalkeeper palms a header from Arribas around the post! Barcelona are coming under some severe pressure here.
GOAL! Deportivo 2-1 Barcelona (Bergantinos)
Deportivo regain the lead at the Riazor as Bergantinos heads a Fajr corner into the bottom corner! Incredible scenes here as the home side score a second against the Spanish champions!
BARCELONA SUB! Alcacer replaces Denis Suarez for Barcelona.
Still more than 10 minutes for Barcelona to find a second or possibly a second and a third. Alba delivers a delicate cross into the home side's box, but Navarro is on hand to head behind.
SAVE! Wonderful save from Lux as the Deportivo goalkeeper keeps out a low strike from Luis Suarez, who looked certain to fire home from close range. What a stop from Lux!
Barcelona are living dangerously at the moment as Kakuta just fails to connect on a loose ball inside the away side's box. Down the other end, Lux is on hand to keep out Messi's low effort.
Pique is onside and attempts to collect a deep cross from Messi, but the ball just runs away from the centre-back and Deportivo survive another dangerous moment. The home side are down the other end with Fajr, but Ter Stegen eventually has the ball in his arms. What a game here!
CHANCE! Roberto knees a Luis Suarez cross over the crossbar!
DEPORTIVO SUB! Laure replaces Juanfran for the home side.
The home supporters are playing their part at the moment as Barcelona continue to force the issue. Still a good four, five minutes before Deportivo can relax and secure all three points.
Barcelona have a free kick in a very dangerous area as Fajr brings Luis Suarez to the deck...
Messi fires his set piece over the crossbar!
Barcelona are throwing Ter Stegen forward as we enter the second minute of added time.
Super defending from Deportivo as they continue to clear their lines here.
SAVE! Incredible from Ter Stegen as the Barcelona goalkeeper keeps out Fajr, who led a three-on-none counter-attack for the home side!
FULL-TIME: Deportivo 2-1 Barcelona
Incredible! Deportivo beat Barcelona for the first time since 2008. The Spanish champions remain top of the table, but they are now only one point clear of second-place Real Madrid, who have two games in hand. Big moment in the title race! Thanks for joining Sports Mole once again!
Written by
Matt Law
Matt Law
