Just a few days after launching their incredible comeback against Paris Saint-Germain to book their place in the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals, Barcelona lost to Deportivo La Coruna in La Liga.
Go figure.
[ MORE: Conte defends Chelsea’s counter ]
The 2-1 defeat leaves Luis Enrique’s men two points behind leaders Real Madrid (a late Sergio Ramos header saw Real fight back to beat Real Betis 2-1 on Sunday) and Zinedine Zidane’s side also have a game in hand.
Defender Gerard Pique has hit out at criticism coming Barca’s way.“Everyone connected to Barcelona would have signed up to comeback against PSG and a defeat to Deportivo,” Pique told reporters."That is sport. We’re not machines. After Wednesday’s effort it made it difficult to compete. We have to congratulate Deportivo, they’re deserved winners. They (Depor) also played in midweek so that is not an excuse. The fixture list is tough for everyone. Every game demands a huge effort.”
He has a point.
After the huge high of Wednesday’s win against PSG, the emotional toll that took on players and management must have been huge. Still, Pique’s comments following the incredible late drama at the Nou Camp may have come back to haunt him.
He said “tonight I am going to party even though I have training tomorrow…" and then the defeat to Depor happens.
Buzzkill alert: As memorable as that amazing comeback was, partying into the early hours of Thursday morning may have cost Barca the Spanish title.
