The American full-back missed an absolute sitter in the first-half just minutes before David Alaba gave the away side the lead in an eventual 2-1 win at the Nou Camp
Video Unavailable
La Liga ‘lacking star player’ after Messi’s Barcelona exit
Barcelona manager Ronald Koeman could not hide his frustration with full-back Sergino Dest after he missed a glaring opportunity to put his side 1-0 up shortly before Real Madrid took the lead in Los Blancos’ eventual 2-1 victory at the Nou Camp.
The first-half had been a largely even affair before Dest was presented with a golden chance on 25 minutes as he was squared the ball by Memphis Depay just yards from goal.
But he could only succeed in blazing well over the bar, and looked like he could barely believe he had been unable to hit the target.
His misery was compounded just moments later as David Alaba gave Madrid the lead with a superb left-footed strike.
(
Image:
REUTERS)
In the second half Barca battled for an equaliser but a Lucas Vazquez goal effectively ended the game as a contest, although Sergio Aguero did get a late consolation for the hosts.
Speaking after the game, Koeman appeared particularly angry with Dest’s miss, and claimed the result could have been a completely different outcome had the ball gone under the bar.
“We had a very clear chance to go 1-0 up and shortly afterwards Madrid took the lead,” Koeman said in the mixed zone after full-time.
“It’s a totally different game if we go ahead. You simply have to score such a clear opportunity.”
Despite his annoyance with Dest, Koeman appeared largely positive, and insisted there were positives for his team to take.
“I am disappointed with the result but the team tried until the last second,” he added. “We didn’t create many clear opportunities. It was an even match but in the end the small details proved key.
“It is difficult to find positives from losing at home to Madrid, but I liked the attitude of the players and the fans.
(
Image:
NurPhoto/PA Images)
“There is another game on Wednesday, the season is very long so we will keep fighting.”
Barca now sit in eighth place in the La Liga, and take on Rayo Vallecano on Wednesday with the pressure once more mounting on Koeman.
A five-point gap has now opened up between themselves and leaders Madrid in the table, and some have suggested the likes of Antonio Conte or Roberto Martinez could be tempted to Catalonia as coach if president Joan Laporta decides to wield the axe.
As yet there is no indication that Koeman will be sacked before Wednesday, but a poor result against Vallecano could well see Laporta handing him his P45.
