Sunday’s game between Barcelona and Alaves left fans with a lot to discuss after the final whistle. The Blaugrana, who was at home, was in danger of losing their first game in La Liga this season before goals from Suarez and Messi earned them a 2-1 comeback victory.
There were a number of controversies in the Camp Nou clash, but one was just so funny that the fans could not help but see the funny side in it – many were enraged, however. This moment occurred during the Catalan side’s equalizing goal in the 72nd minute which came courtesy of Suarez.
As the ball was heading towards the back of the net, it made contact with Pique’s arm while he was trying to duck from the shot. As a result, the ball grazed his hand while the Spanish center-back was in a dabbing position, making it the first-dab goal.
Pique the 1st ever dab goal https://t.co/jpR1tpnkgP
— JD Redwine (@Redwine_13) January 28, 2018
Pique just dabbed and scored a goal with the dab... we've hit peak football
— sandesh karki (@sandeshkarki_) January 28, 2018
Pique sets the dab trends ! pic.twitter.com/WRhC62qOHd
— Abhinav (@abhinav_r11) January 29, 2018
Spanish referee Andujar Oliver argued that it was the right decision to let the goal stand despite the unintentional handball, telling Radio MARCA that it was an “involuntary” contact. Others, though, were not as forgiving with the storm that surrounded Leo’s winning goal.
The Argentine scored a lovely free-kick goal after Paco Alcacer was fouled right outside the penalty box. However, replays showed that the foul should not have been given as the Spaniard was in an offside position. On the other side of the pitch, Alaves was wrongly denied a penalty.
First goal was a handball on pique
— Omoniyi Israel (@omoissy) January 28, 2018
Paco was offside in the situation where we got the FK Messi scored.
Suarez could have gotten a red card.
Alaves should have had a penalty.
UNBEATEN YHEN YHEN YHEN!!
DISGUSTING LOTS!! @FCBarcelona
1st goal came from a handball by Pique, 2nd goal came from an offside and there was a shocking penalty not given to Alavés. Just a normal day at the office for Barcelona.
— JP (@Emperor_RM) January 28, 2018
Pique scored Barca's first goal with his hand.
— nx (@nalinx7) January 29, 2018
Alcacer was offside that lead to the free kick that Messi converted.
Alaves were also robbed of a CLEAR handball.
Just another regular victory for FC Barcelona.
Can I just say again that Barcelona's equaliser was scored by Gerard Pique and not Luis Suarez...
— Deji Faremi (@deejayfaremi) January 28, 2018
Nonetheless, that is another three points in the bag for Valverde’s side. Barcelona remains unbeaten in La Liga and continues their pursuit of the league crown.