Barcelona interim boss Sergi Barjuan has started his tenure with a low key 1-1 draw at home to Alaves.
Barjuan has been parachuted into temporary charge following the midweek sacking of former head coach Ronald Koeman.
However, despite optimism over his fresh approach yielding a winning response against the Basque side at the Camp Nou, the hosts laboured to a draw.
Neither side created much in a tight opening 45 minutes with Eric Garcia forcing a key stop from Antonio Sivera as the best early chance.
Sivera saves well from Eric Garcia! 💥
No breakthrough yet in #BarçaAlaves – watch LIVE on #LaLigaTV. pic.twitter.com/si9pxfvRdS
— LaLigaTV (@LaLigaTV) October 30, 2021
However, Barcelona did look to react after the break as Memphis Depay swerved home a fantastic opener on 49 minutes.
Ooooh, what a curler that is from Memphis Depay! 😱
A special goal to put Barcelona 1-0 up 🔵🔴 pic.twitter.com/wNLQWRb4CL
— Premier Sports (@PremierSportsTV) October 30, 2021
Joselu’s clever through ball released Luis Rioja in behind and he calmly stroked the away side level.
Barjuan’s side created chances to win it in the final stages, with Depay hitting the post and substitute Philippe Coutinho blazing over, but in the end, his reign started with a whimper.
Images via Getty Images
