Barcelona, Sep 11 (IANS) Spanish football club Alaves came to the Camp Nou stadium and dealt out a stunning 2-1 defeat to host and La Liga champions Barcelona, a team that was barely recognisable not only because many regulars were not playing but also due to its lack of focus.
Barcelona started off well on Saturday, but couldn't find the twine and it was Kiko Femenia who knocked a crossing shot to Deyverson in the 39th minute, after which the striker squeezed through the defence and popped the ball into the net, reports Efe.
On a header, it was Jeremy Mathieu who tied things up for the home team just one minute after the break, but in the 64th minute it was Ibai Gomez who fired in the winning goal.
The replacements made by Barcelona coach Luis Enrique after that point did nothing to change the final result.
This was Alaves' first win in First Division Spanish soccer since being recently promoted from the lower levels.
Neymar, back 111 days after playing his most recent match for Barcelona, seemed not to be himself, showing no spark and without that personality that shines through when he's not in Messi's shadow.
Prior to the match, Alaves had announced that its squad would wear jerseys with the slogan of the NGO Save the Children during the La Liga clash against Barcelona.
--IANS
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