Barcelona 1-1 Real Mallorca

Emilio Nsue headed a shock equaliser to sting Barcelona as Pep Guardiola's side fell three points behind leaders Valencia.

Lionel Messi gave Barcelona the lead after 20 minutes on his first league start since injuring an ankle in the 2-1 win at Atletico Madrid two weeks ago.
But young striker Nsue levelled for the islanders shortly before half-time and the home side struggled to find a way through in the second period.
Bojan Krkic hit the post late on, but the Catalans were below their brilliant best and will be disappointed to have dropped two points at home.

Barcelona coach Guardiola was unable to call upon two of his key players for this match and decided to leave two more on the bench.
Xavi was missing through injury, while David Villa was suspended following his red card at Athletic Bilbao last weekend.
Captain Carles Puyol was left out, along with fellow World Cup winner Sergio Busquets, which meant a start for summer signing Javier Mascherano in midfield.
Messi was restored to the side on the right, with Pedro on the left and Bojan taking Villa's place in the central striker role.
Bojan tested Mallorca goalkeeper Dudu Aouate with a rasping drive from the edge of the box after five minutes and Gerard Pique almost got on the end of a cross from Dani Alves moments later.
But, as has been the case so often in the last few seasons, it was left to Messi to provide the inspiration.
The Argentina winger received the ball from Pedro on the edge of the penalty area and unleashed a fizzing left-footed drive which gave Aouate no chance.
Messi should have made it 2-0 five minutes later, but shot straight at Aouate with only the Israel goalkeeper to beat.
Seydou Keita then headed wide as Guardiola's side sought a crucial second goal, but Mallorca hit back three minutes before the interval.
Victor Valdes made a good save to deny Gonzalo Castro, but from the resulting corner Nsue took advantage of some poor marking to head home the equaliser.
The visitors had hardly been in the game but were suddenly level.
Guardiola's players dominated once more at the start of the second half and Messi went close with a header as the Catalans looked to restore their lead.
Pedro then shot straight at Aouate shortly, but Barcelona then lost some of their intensity.
Nsue could have given Mallorca the lead after 63 minutes, but saw his volley fly just over.
Bojan later hit the post and Nolito, on for his debut in place of the injured Pedro, also missed a good chance with six minutes left.
But Barcelona were unable to find a way through and had to settle for a point.
Mallorca now stand ninth in the table following their first point on the road this season.

 

 

source:espn