Things have just got more complicated in the league for Barcelona as they will not be able to count on the services of their seasoned left back, Jordi Alba, in the momentous game against Atletico Madrid.
The highly experienced player and the third first-team captain got two yellow cards in only 4 minutes, and as a result, was sent off at the 78th minute of the game. Ironically, both these yellow cards did not result from any foul play, but from verbal altercations, first with Espanyol player Vinicius Souza and the second time with the referee Mateu Lahoz.
While this numerical disadvantage did not last long for FC Barcelona in the Catalan derby, as Espanyol also saw Vinicius Souza being sent off three minutes after Alba’s red card, Alba’s suspension in the clash against Atletico can certainly end up causing further trouble for the Blaugranes.
Jordi Alba will be able to participate in the Copa del Rey clash against Intercity on 4th January, as his suspension holds only for league games. For the match against Atletico Madrid on 8th January, Alejandro Balde will be expected to play in Alba’s place. The young left-back has clearly stepped up this season, as Balde has seen more game time than previous seasons, and has gained Xavi’s trust with his performances.
