We were unlucky to fall to a 1-0 defeat to FC Barcelona as Lamine Yamal’s second-half strike proved to be the difference.
Javier Aguirre started with a forward pairing of Vedat Muriqi and Cyle Larin, while opposition boss Xavi was in the stands following a suspension.
The game was brought to life in the 18th minute after a slow start as following a lengthy VAR review, Jose Copete was adjudged to have pushed Raphinia in the box and a penalty was awarded.
However, Predrag Rajkovic was not to be beaten and made a smart stop to deny Ilkay Gundagon from the penalty spot to keep the scores level.
Our best chance of the first half came on the half-hour mark when a teasing ball from Sergi Darder was flicked wide of the post by Muriqi.
Joao Felix and Manu Morlanes each had chances before the break, but the scoreline remained goalless as we headed into the dressing room.
The hosts hit the bar after the restart as Yamal made space for himself on the edge of the box and forced Rjakovic to tip onto the bar.
He would not miss the second time of asking in the 73rd minute when the winger found himself in a similar position and curled the ball into the far top corner.
The goal would prove to be the difference as we tried desperately to find a late equaliser, but headed home empty handed.
