A DIFFICULT NIGHT IN MONTJUIC

We fell to a convincing 5-1 defeat away against FC Barcelona in the first game back after the international break. A dubious penalty on 25 minutes set the home side on their way, and then a quickfire double made it three before half time. To compound matters, Ejuke then had to be substituted after what appeared to be a hamstring injury before the break. Two late goals from Pablo Torre, either side of a consolation from Stanis Idumbo - his first for the club, rounded off a tricky night in the Catalan capital. 

It was a first half where everything that could go wrong did go wrong in Montjuic, after a dubious penalty and three goals in just over 10 minutes for Barcelona. Robert Lewandowski opened the scoring from the spot in the 24th minute, before Pedri scored a wonder goal from the edge of the box four minutes later. Lewandoski then reacted quickly to turn in a shot that was heading initially wide, giving Nyland no time to react five minutes before the break. García Pimienta was then forced to bring on Sambi to replace the injured Nigerian who limped off. 

Idumbo, who came on as a substitue, scored his first goal for the club 

The second half started with a great save from Nyland to deny Lamine Yamal, with Suso coming on to replace Peque. Isaac was awarded a penalty for a foul by Cubarsi, but it was disallowed for offside. Suso then has to be substituted with an injury in the 69th minute. The home side made it four through Torre before Idumbo got a late consolation but there would still be time for a fifth as Torre scored just 60 seconds later to round off a painful night. 

Next up is a second visit to the city in the space of a week, with a trip to RCD Espanyol on Friday night.