Barcelona Extend La Liga Lead After 1-1 Draw vs. Las Palmas

Barcelona drew 1-1 with Las Palmas on the road in La Liga on Thursday, as they extended their lead at the top of the table.

Lionel Messi gave the Blaugrana the lead with a stunning free-kick after 21 minutes, but the hosts equalised from a controversial 48th-minute penalty which Jonathan Calleri converted.

Barca couldn't find a winner as the match unfolded, and the Catalan giants are five points clear at the top of the table before second-placed Atletico Madrid visit the Camp Nou on Sunday.

Both teams provided their starting line-ups, with Barca making six changes for the game at the Estadio Gran Canaria:

A dull first half failed to catch fire in the opening 20 minutes, but Messi provided a classic moment to give Barca the lead.

The Argentina international found the top corner with a free-kick that flew in at pace, leaving Las Palmas goalkeeper Leandro Chichizola with no chance of stopping the effort.

The hosts attempted to edge their way into the encounter, but Barca were content to control possession from deep and hit on the counter-attack when situations developed in their favour.

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Barca took their lead into the half-time interval, but Las Palmas caused a shock as they found an equaliser three minutes after the restart.

Barcelona manager Ernesto Valverde was left perplexed as his side conceded a penalty, and the visitors protested against the soft call. No one could decipher why the award was given as confusion reigned supreme from a corner, but Las Palmas made sure they made the most of their gift.

Calleri found the top corner, and home fans were jubilant as Barca players continued to question the validity of the decision. The equaliser failed to spark the Camp Nou giants, and Las Palmas defended deep during the moments of pressure and action.

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Messi appeared Barca's most likely source of a winning goal, but Las Palmas were almost gifted the three points when former Camp Nou man Alen Halilovic was left unmarked in the box.

However, the assist was poor and Barca survived, although the La Liga leaders appeared jaded in defence.

Barca went for the victory in the closing stages, but the hosts' spirit saw them battle for a point. Valverde's tactics lacked sharpness and intent, and the Blaugrana will be satisfied with a point after a lacklustre performance.

Atletico are set to play Barca next, and the capital city club could reinvigorate the title race with a shock win in Catalonia.