Las Palmas stuns Barcelona at historic anniversary match

In Spain, FC Barcelona celebrated its 125th anniversary with a gala at the Liceu theatre, attended by over 2,000 people, including former players and managers. However, the festivities took a turn the next day during a match against Las Palmas, where Barcelona faced a surprising defeat despite their prior success. The team had entered the match hoping to continue the celebrations with a victory on December 1, 2024, yet instead experienced their worst performance in recent weeks, stumbling under pressure. As a result of this defeat, Barcelona lost eight points in their last three league matches, raising concerns about their performance and cohesion on the pitch. Barcelona's difficulties were further compounded by the absence of key players like Lamine Yamal and Marc Casadó, who had previously been crucial to the team's success. The coach, Flick, pointed to a lack of cohesion in the team, stating that they needed to defend and attack better. The match showcased defensive weaknesses that Las Palmas exploited effectively, concluding with two well-executed goals that reflected their strategic play throughout the game. Many players from Las Palmas expressed a strong belief in their ability to win against such a prominent opponent, which they achieved on a special day meant to commemorate Barcelona's rich history. This loss not only overshadowed the celebrations but also sparked discussions regarding the current state of Barcelona's squad and their ability to compete at the top level. Formerly unbeaten, Barcelona's slip in form left fans and analysts questioning the future direction of the team under pressure from competing clubs. Las Palmas' unexpected triumph is hailed as a historic moment, as they disrupted the anniversary festivities and made a statement in La Liga, affirming their place as worthy challengers.