Barcelona toiled terribly against newly-promoted Real Valladolid, with Ousmane Demebele‘s strike proving to be the difference in this thoroughly uninspiring performance from the reigning La Liga champions.
The hosts, promoted via the Segunda Division’s play-off last season behind champions Rayo Vallecano and Huesca, gave a glimpse of what to expect from them this season as they pushed their illustrious opponents all the way in a courageous performance in which they can count themselves unlucky not to take anything from – with Keko’s injury time header initially given before being ruled out for offside.
Dembele’s goal proved decisive at the Estadio Jose Zorrilla, but it was another erratic performance from the youngster, who was hooked soon after.
Star man Lionel Messi endured one of his rare off nights and, worryingly for coach Ernesto Valverde, none of his teammates looked capable of bearing the creative burden – with Luis Suarez, Philippe Coutinho and Dembele all below their best.