![luuk-de-jong-rescues-barcelona-from-another-ridicule-in-the-catalan-derby-[video]](https://allworldnews.site/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/14352-luuk-de-jong-rescues-barcelona-from-another-ridicule-in-the-catalan-derby-video.jpg)
Barcelona had to wait for a header from Luuk de Jong at minute 550+6′ to take something positive (2-2) out of the derby against Espanyol at the RCDE Stadium, an outcome for a game that ended with Gerard Piqué and Nico Melamed being sent off in the final stretch.
The Blue and Whites were close to break the history of the derbies, since they had not won at home since the season 2006-07. The parakeets overcame Pedri’s goal after two minutes, thanks to Darder’s precision at 37 ′ and Raúl de Tomás at 56′. In any case, they no longer had room to react to the Dutchman’s goal.
Barcelona took 1 minute and 40 seconds to cool down parakeets and bring out the colors of the local defense, one of the most criticized lines in recent commitments. Pedri finished off a cross from Alba, adjusted the shot to the post and put the derby on track.
The host, with the task of pressuring the rival ball out, could not avoid certain nerves and inaccuracies when look behind so soon. Xavi Hernández’s men controlled the ball without having trouble near Ter Stegen, although without sending serious warnings.
Little by little, Espanyol rearranged itself and sought the goal with more criteria. He tried it with Raúl de Tomás, without aim, and with strategic plays. Barça, with fewer revolutions, replied with the verticality of Adama, who monopolized almost all the spotlights.
As the break approached, Barça’s control grew and made it difficult for Espanyol to leave. Adama, again, was able to sign the second to 37′, but forced the goalkeeper Diego Lopez. Ferran Torres tried it after the rejection, without success.
However, just when Espanyol seemed more collapsed, Darder put the tie in the light at 37′. RDT, surrounded by the defense, delivered the ball to the Mallorcan, who shot the ball from the edge of the box. Ter Stegen could not avoid the goal.
Exciting second half
After the break, Barça started without Araujo, with discomfort in his left soleus. Xavi’s men came out determined to get ahead again and Gavi was able to do it, but his goal against 56 was disallowed due to a tight offside by De Jong after consulting with the VAR.
The two coaches refreshed their line-ups at the same time, giving them a more offensive air. The duel was open and in the exchange of blows Espanyol seemed to feel comfortable: Raúl de Tomás collected the prize.
The striker, placed well between the central defenders, accommodated a cross from Darder, controlled the ball and adjusted it to the left post to make it 2-1 at 66′. It is his thirteenth goal in LaLiga and he celebrated by meditating on the pitch while the RCDE Stadium roared.
Xavi Hernández made a move, sat down Alba and Gavi and set up a defense of three with Adama and Dembélé on the very fast wings. The stopwatch reduced the chances of a comeback and the tension on the pitch resulted in several consecutive yellow cards.
The change of scoreboard did not sit well with Barcelona, who bet everything on Luuk de Jong in the final beats. This change of slate was indeed successful, since the striker finished off with a header at 90+6′ and put the 2-2 definitive. Piqué and Nico Melamed were sent off in a high-tension finale. Also Morlanes, on the bench.