As the season comes to a close, teams face relegation and others look for that spot to play in either the Champions League or Europa League. FC Barcelona faced Deportivo on Saturday afternoon at the Camp Nou and were trying to get something out of this game to not face relegation.
FC Barcelona were crowned champions last week as they were able to get the 1-0 win against Atletico Madrid and obtain their 23 trophy in league’s history. Many key players sat out on this game as they had nothing to worry about in this game. Claudio Bravo was seen on the bench while third string goalkeeper, Jordi Masip saw his first game of La Liga. Thomas Vermaelen also saw his first game for Barcelona while Marc Bartra, Sergi Roberto, Adriano, Rafinha, and Pedro also saw their name on the starting XI sheet. The most emotional thing about this game though was Xavi Hernandez’s last game with Barcelona as a starter. Even though he might see some time in the Copa del Rey and Champions League, this game was dedicated to him.
The majority of the teams facing relegation go up against teams from the top four in the table. Deportivo is that one team that was facing relegation and with the tie, they were able to stay in La Liga for another season.
With nine changes in the starting lineup, Deportivo went into the game with hopes of doing something but even then, Barcelona controlled the majority of the first half. The first goal came in the fifth minute when Messi was able to get it behind the Deportivo goalkeeper, Fabricio Agosto. Rafinha was able to get a rebound from a save that Fabricio had made and ran on the right side of the box. He was then able to cross it inside the box only to see Messi head it in and get his 42nd goal of the season.
Messi had another opportunity when Neymar sent him a cross from midfield and saw Messi onside. He was able to run it in and between the legs of Agosto but he was called offsides.
The second goal came in the 59th minute of the game. Pedro made a head pass to Neymar, who stayed onside and made a run towards the goal, with one defender chasing after him. It seemed that Neymar would not need any help but he saw Messi open on his right side and gave him the ball to see Messi kiss the ball towards goal and get his 43rd goal of the season and the second of the game.
Vermaelen was taken out in the 62nd minute and was given a standing ovation by the Camp Nou as Douglas Pereira came into the game and his second of the season.
Lucas Perez scored the first goal for Deportivo la Coruna in the 66th min. Celso Borges found Perez open inside the box and Perez made a whole 360 turn to and kicked the ball on the top left corner of the net and past Jordi Masip to make a 2-1 game.
Deportivo made it a tie game in the 76 minute when they were given a free kick just outside the box. Harris Medunjanin took the free kick and the ball ricochet off the wall and got the rebound and tried again but was denied. Diogo Salomao then got the rebound and strike it past Masip to make it 2-2 and probably save Deportivo from facing relegation.
Xavi was seen substituted in the 85th minute and was given an outstanding ovation from the Camp Nou. A legend that will never be forgotten, Xavi saw his last game of La liga as Andres Iniesta came in for him.
The game ended with a 2-2 result and saw Deportivo stay in La Liga next season. FC Barcelona also celebrated in the Camp Nou for their 23rd title and lifted La Liga title. Barcelona still have the Copa del Rey and Champions League matches to try to win the treble this season and end a great season on a high note for all Barcelona players but especially for Xavi Hernedez.
The man of the match goes out to Lionel Messi who got both goals for Barcelona.
