Barcelona’s shock defeat to Granada opens up title race

Lionel Messi

Barcelona spurned the chance to go top of the table on Thursday as a shock 2-1 defeat to Granada added a twist to La Liga's most unpredictable title race in years. Barca could have taken control at the top by moving a point ahead of Atletico Madrid but Granada came from behind to snatch a stunning win at Camp Nou, in what will boost other title contenders.

Lionel Messi scored his 33rd goal of the season to put Barcelona in front but they failed to put the result beyond doubt and Granada hit back, Darwin Machis driving in and Jorge Molina's header completing a remarkable turnaround. Defeat means Barca took nothing from their game in hand except disappointment, which might be difficult to shake ahead of two crunch games now away at Valencia and at home to Atletico Madrid.

They stay third, level on points with Real Madrid, as Atletico retain their two-point advantage at the top, while Sevilla in fourth remain just three points off first. "It's a huge blow, we're disappointed," said Ronald Koeman, who will miss crucial matches after the Spanish Football Federation on Friday banned him for two games after the Dutchman was sent off during his team's 2-1 defeat at Granada.

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