In Spain, Luis Enrique’s men seemed to be in firm control of the game vs Villarreal, thanks to the opening goal from Ivan Rakitic in the 20th minute and the second from Neymar 20 minutes later. The match itself did not lack its own fair share of drama off the pitch; the centre referee sent off Villarreal manager Marcelino Garcia for protesting.
In the second-half, the hosts came out strongly as Cedric Bakambu scored the first for his side in the 57th minute. Six minutes later, Barcelona’s Jeremy Mathieu, who came in as a substitute, scored an own goal to put the tie at level.
Although the Catalan giants threw away their two-goal lead, they still maintained their unbeaten run, which now stands at 39 games in all competitions this season.
Coincidentally, Premier League side Liverpool FC also squandered a 2-0 first half-lead against Southampton at St. Mary’s Stadium as they lost 3-2 in a thrilling encounter. Sadio Mane scored a brace after missing a penalty for the hosts in the 50th minute, while Graziano Pelle also got himself on the score sheet to give the Saints a 3-2 win.
Interestingly, football fans on Twitter were quick to note the striking similarities between the Luis Enrique’s and Ronald Koeman’s side over the weekend; both were leading 2-0 at half-time before blowing it away against their hosts. However, the major difference was that Barca managed to secure at least a point against the hosts, while Liverpool went back to Anfield without a single point.
Here are some of the best reactions on Twitter;
Barcelona are doing a Liverpool. 2:2
— Francis Doku (@TheGHMediaGuru) March 20, 2016
Liverpool played like Barcelona in the first half and like Barnet in the second.
— The Lone Tweet (@TheLoneTweet) March 20, 2016
RT if you're laughing at Liverpool #LFC #SOULIV https://t.co/RjCQLeYIeZ
— Raj Lyall (@lyallr) March 20, 2016
Barcelona & Liverpool both blew 2 goal leads?! #wengerout
— Luke's Lightsaber (@Gooner_Echo3) March 20, 2016
So Barcelona drew and Liverpool lost after each leading by 2 goals to nil in the first half?
— Osei Pato (@joseikofi) March 20, 2016
Wow, what a week!!!!
Man utd won,Barcelona drew Liverpool and city lost.
— Eligible Bachelor. (@l_lanrey) March 20, 2016
It wasn't a bad Sunday afterall!
Barcelona let me down for £195. Liverpool throw away 2-0 lead. Splendid.
— Connor Norcott (@ConnorNorcott) March 20, 2016
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