Barca Four Games Without a League Win After Alaves Draw
VITORIA-GASTEIZ (Dispatches) - Barcelona failed to win for the fourth successive La Liga game after being held by 10-man Alaves.
The hosts, who started the day 15th in the table, took a surprise lead when Brazilian keeper Neto was dispossessed by Luis Rioja.
Alaves were reduced to 10 men when midfielder Jota was sent off for a second yellow card in the 62nd minute.
Antoine Griezmann equalised a minute later but Barca could not find a winner.
Ansu Fati was denied a goal on his 18th birthday by Fernando Pacheco’s excellent save, while Griezmann had a goal ruled out.
Pacheco frustrated Barca with further saves to keep out Lionel Messi, Miralem Pjanic and Sergino Dest.
While Barcelona top their Champions League group after wins over Juventus and Ferencvaros, they trail leaders Real Madrid by eight points in La Liga after dropping 10 points in six games.
"We are very angry because we really wanted the three points and we have to improve a lot,” said Griezmann.
"We are missing a lot of chances, me more than anyone, but it’s still early in the season and I know we’re going to get better.”
Barca, who were beaten 3-1 by Real Madrid last week, have taken only two points from their last four league games and Ronald Koeman’s side sit 12th in the standings with eight points from six matches.
"We are very angry because we really wanted the three points and we have to improve a lot,” said Griezmann.
"We had a lot of chances but only scored once. We are missing a lot of chances, me more than anyone, but it’s still early in the season and I know we’re going to get better.
"We are not doing well, we need to improve and with hard work we will but we should stay calm because it’s a long season.”
The Catalans had produced their best display under Koeman in Wednesday’s 2-0 win at Juventus and made a strong start here, wasting an early chance to take the lead when Ansu Fati hared into the area but fired wide of the far post.
Griezmann also missed the target in the first half while Lionel Messi saw a free kick cleared off the line.
Alaves responded and Neto showed a sign of what was to come when he spilled a tame shot at the feet of forward Edgar, who missed the target.
The hosts, who started the day 15th in the table, took a surprise lead when Brazilian keeper Neto was dispossessed by Luis Rioja.
Alaves were reduced to 10 men when midfielder Jota was sent off for a second yellow card in the 62nd minute.
Antoine Griezmann equalised a minute later but Barca could not find a winner.
Ansu Fati was denied a goal on his 18th birthday by Fernando Pacheco’s excellent save, while Griezmann had a goal ruled out.
Pacheco frustrated Barca with further saves to keep out Lionel Messi, Miralem Pjanic and Sergino Dest.
While Barcelona top their Champions League group after wins over Juventus and Ferencvaros, they trail leaders Real Madrid by eight points in La Liga after dropping 10 points in six games.
"We are very angry because we really wanted the three points and we have to improve a lot,” said Griezmann.
"We are missing a lot of chances, me more than anyone, but it’s still early in the season and I know we’re going to get better.”
Barca, who were beaten 3-1 by Real Madrid last week, have taken only two points from their last four league games and Ronald Koeman’s side sit 12th in the standings with eight points from six matches.
"We are very angry because we really wanted the three points and we have to improve a lot,” said Griezmann.
"We had a lot of chances but only scored once. We are missing a lot of chances, me more than anyone, but it’s still early in the season and I know we’re going to get better.
"We are not doing well, we need to improve and with hard work we will but we should stay calm because it’s a long season.”
The Catalans had produced their best display under Koeman in Wednesday’s 2-0 win at Juventus and made a strong start here, wasting an early chance to take the lead when Ansu Fati hared into the area but fired wide of the far post.
Griezmann also missed the target in the first half while Lionel Messi saw a free kick cleared off the line.
Alaves responded and Neto showed a sign of what was to come when he spilled a tame shot at the feet of forward Edgar, who missed the target.