An own goal from Sebastian Coates sealed a 0-1 victory for an otherwise struggling Barcelona side against a resilient Sporting Lisbon.
Sporting put up a solid display to restrict Barcelona for major parts of last night’s match but an own goal Sebastian Coates saw all their efforts go to vain after half time. The hosts could not clear a Messi free kick which came from the right, as a result of which, the ball bounced off Luis Suarez onto Coates.
The player was simply in the right place at the wrong time, as the ball trickled into the net for the only goal of the night. Unlike what many expected, Lionel Messi failed to score his 100th European goal. The player did not lack for chances though – he had several opportunities in the first-half but none of them connected.
With about 20 minutes left on the clock, Sporting were narrowly close to an equalizer as Dost picked out Bruno Fernandes, but Barcelona keeper Ter Stegen was vigilant as ever, and made a quick block to deny him. THT takes a look at some of the best tweets about the match.
https://twitter.com/lucasammr/status/913142449048051712
https://twitter.com/KingIfedayo/status/913148106849562624
🔵🔴 @FCBarcelona in 2017/18 season
🏆 @LaLigaEN
⚽️ 6 matches
✅ 6 wins
🏆 @ChampionsLeague
⚽️ 2 matches
✅ 2 wins pic.twitter.com/aEPw9wyrRj— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) September 27, 2017
https://twitter.com/EiF_Highlights/status/913232555016642561
Lionel Messi: Has failed to create a single goalscoring opportunity in Barcelona's first two Champions League group matches 😱 pic.twitter.com/IpIMtvWKMJ
— WhoScored (@WhoScored) September 27, 2017
O.G is in great form for Barcelona. He, it, whatever has now scored 3 in last 2 games. He's scored 3 of their last 4 goals.
— Deji Faremi (@deejayfaremi) September 27, 2017
Umtiti immense for Barcelona tonight. Alba (especially) and Semedo also good. Busquets shielded the defence well and kept possession. Going forward? Not so much.
— Andy West (@andywest01) September 27, 2017
https://twitter.com/FCBarcelonaFl/status/913136624527134721
Death, taxes and own goals for Barcelona.
— Roy Nemer (@RoyNemer) September 27, 2017
https://twitter.com/LaCroqueta6/status/913125100249116672
Dear FC Barcelona,
Don't Bring Back Sir Andre Gomes When You Return From Portugal.#SportingBARÇA
— BarcelonaBoy (@iBarcelonaBoy) September 27, 2017
https://twitter.com/ElaficionadoFC/status/913127144473153536
While several users remained divided on their opinion of Barcelona’s defence, they all agreed that the attack was in shambles, to say the least.
https://twitter.com/GOATnaldo/status/913142494161801218
https://twitter.com/MrFutboy/status/913154953396531200
Messi is unbelievable.
Imagine if he didn't have to play with bad players all the time.— Jimmy (@FCBJimmy_) September 27, 2017
https://twitter.com/MesmericMessi/status/913147100854149121
https://twitter.com/LaComputadora14/status/913164327582158853
https://twitter.com/lucasammr/status/913142254570758145
https://twitter.com/culezitic/status/913126230982983680
https://twitter.com/LaCroqueta6/status/913125467443646464
https://twitter.com/ahmadf_o/status/913118417846140929
https://twitter.com/Sameer_R13/status/913117499381751828
Meanwhile, Rakitic was the recipient of a lot of negative comments from frustrated fans for his lack of impact on the field.
https://twitter.com/UltraAutistic/status/913136009109413888
https://twitter.com/E_MMertens/status/913135965715255297
https://twitter.com/ElaficionadoFC/status/913126580108582917
Valverde must find a solution to Suarez & Rakitic poor performances, they cant keep getting a free pass due to their past. Improve or bench.
— El Máestro (@ElMaestrofcb) September 27, 2017
Rakitic can’t start for Barcelona anymore, it’s been the case for over a year…
— Rafael Hernández (@RafaelH117) September 27, 2017
https://twitter.com/MoRosement/status/913135081920897025
https://twitter.com/LaComputadora14/status/913127986349649920
Rakitic was so so disappointing and can't have his starting spot anymore. His position needs to be contested between Paulinho and Roberto.
— Mujtaba Khan (@MujtaBATMAN) September 27, 2017
https://twitter.com/jperkovic93/status/913150708765118464