How Pellistri stunned Barcelona
Facundo Pellistri scored and assisted as Granada surprised Barcelona with a 3-3 draw at the Nou Camp, dealing another hammer blow to the Catalan club's La Liga bid.
Much of this was down to Pellistri, who joined Granada on loan during the January transfer window, in order to obtain regular first-team football. The winger caused problems throughout his 84 minutes on the pitch, and was a key figure as the Nazaries look to get themselves out of the relegation zone.
1 - At 22 years and 53 days old, Facundo Pellistri 🇺🇾 became the youngest player to score and provide an assist in a LaLiga away game against Barcelona since Samuel Eto'o 🇨🇲 in April 2000 (19 years and 30 days). Surprise. pic.twitter.com/6CDNNc24HX
— OptaJose (@OptaJose) February 11, 2024
Pellistri displayed tenacity and quality on the right flank, with one tigerish dispossession of Frenkie De Jong epitomising his contribution, and the high press utilised by coach Alexander Medina.
However, the Blaugrana struck first through exciting prodigy Lamine Yamal, in the 14th minute, at the Montjuic. Granada levelled when Pellistri's classic wing-play, getting to the byline and pulling the ball back perfectly, led to Ricard Sanchez producing a brilliant first-time finish.
The crowd was silenced again as Mytro Unzuni's cross was sent high into the net by Facundo for his first goal at the club, falling forwards with the momentum as he managed to make the right connection from close range.
Three minutes later, Robert Lewandowski made it 2-2, only for Granada to swiftly go ahead again, through Ignasi Miquel. Yamal hit a 25-yard beauty to level the scores and set up a grandstand finish but defeat would have been very harsh on the visitors.
Pellistri had other moments, including when firing against the face of Marc-Andre ter Stegen in the Barca goal, when running through on a tight angle.
Flashscore.com rated the Uruguay international their Man of the Match, even ahead of two-goal Yamal, and it was certainly an encouraging display by the 22-year-old.
Pellistri commented on social media afterwards: "The fight for the goal continues". Meanwhile, Reds team-mate Harry Maguire, himself outstanding in our win at Aston Villa on the same day, offered: "Well done, mate", in response.
Next up is a huge game in the context of the battle to beat the drop, with a must-win home game for Granada against fellow strugglers Almeria. As the visitors have only six points on the board this term, and are yet to register a win, the fact they appear doomed already suggests this is the perfect opportunity for Facundo's side to obtain a third victory of the league campaign and start to apply pressure on Cadiz and Celta Vigo above them.
The match takes place next Sunday afternoon, so best of luck to Pelli!