Andres Iniesta was at a loss as to how Barcelona lost a two-goal lead with 13 minutes left against Deportivo La Coruna to drop two points at Camp Nou.
Lionel Messi and Ivan Rakitic struck either side of half time to put Barca in control, but goals in quick succession from Lucas Perez (77 minutes) and Alex Bergantinos (86) saw the game end 2-2.
“It’s inexplicable, especially how we ended the game,” midfielder Iniesta told Canal Plus.
“We lost control of the game at the moment when we should have had the most control, and we made it easy for our rivals, who were two goals down. We were 2-0 up, the game was going well and then we lost a bit of the control that we had for the entire game, and now we’ve dropped two points.”
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Barcelona are now just three points clear of Atletico Madrid at the top of the Primera Liga, with Diego Simeone’s side facing Athletic Bilbao today, and this was their third draw in a row, following 1-1 results at Valencia and Bayer Leverkusen.
It was also Barca’s final league game before the winter break as they fly out to Japan to contest the Fifa Club World Cup.
“These things happen, but we have to analyse the game and make sure it doesn’t happen again,” Iniesta added.
“In two weeks we’ve dropped points that have allowed our rivals to put the pressure on. Now we have to change our mindset because we’re playing for a trophy.”
Manager Luis Enrique blamed his side’s late capitulation on his decision to bring on Jeremy Mathieu and Sergio Roberto for Jordi Alba and Rakitic, with both goals coming after the substitutions were made.
“Perhaps I expected more from the substitutions and I hold myself responsible,” he said.
“We controlled their counter-attacks, but once they scored we started to doubt ourselves, we were penalised and they levelled. Even when you’re 2-0 up a game isn’t over. The team feel disappointed, but over a season these types of things happen and we have to accept it.”
However, the manager made it clear that he felt his side had not deserved to draw the game. “Deportivo were fortunate today and they leave with a point they didn’t deserve,” he added.
Real Madrid striker Gareth Bale missed a rampant attacking display against Malmo but manager Rafa Benitez reaffirmed that he is a vital player for the team as they prepare for a tough clash against Villarreal today.
The Welshman has struggled for form and fitness this season and he was rested for the 8-0 destruction of Malmo on Tuesday which matched the biggest ever Uefa Champions League group stage win. That was when Benitez’s Liverpool beat Besiktas in 2007.
Bale has only scored four goals and while he has suffered two injuries, doubts remain over his link-up play and understanding with his teammates.
Benitez granted his wish to play through the middle of the pitch where he has performed effectively for Wales, but with little impact, and he has recently moved to the left wing where he has been involved more.
“He is a fundamental player for us in attack as are all three,” Benitez said, referring also to Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema.
“Bale is very dangerous, and as well as scoring goals he has also been providing assists. He helps the team to function. There is the debate about him and where best he plays, but he is working hard to help the team.”
Aside from their disqualification from the Copa del Rey for fielding an ineligible player, Madrid have bounced back well following their hammering by Barcelona last month when criticism was heaped on Benitez.
Madrid have won their past five matches in all competitions, including two in the league, and have moved to within four points of Barca who dropped two in a draw at Valencia last weekend.
The experienced coach says the clash with fifth-placed Villarreal will be a good indication of how well the team is now playing.
“The team has responded after the clasico, scoring goals and setting records. It is always difficult against Villarreal and I think this match can be a touchstone for us,” Benitez said.
“I have a good relationship with the players. With the daily work we are all getting to know each other better and adapting.
“The recent results has given more confidence and the team is doing well in training.
“Villarreal are a well organised side and the aim is to pick up the three points and then see where the teams are around us in the table.”
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