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Barcelona falls to Alaves

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Posted: Saturday September 18, 1999 06:39 PM

MADRID (Reuters) -- Spanish League leaders Barcelona gave a weary performance on Saturday as they slipped to a shock 2-1 defeat at modest Alaves.

Barcelona, who looked to be cruising as they took the lead through Dani Garcia after 22 minutes, first conceded a soft equalizer by Mauricio Astudillo and then fell behind after a terrible defensive error from Sergi Barjuan.

Their Champions League counterparts Real Madrid also looked off-colour against Deportivo Coruna, needing a clever Raul Gonzalez goal to snatch a 1-1 draw after Djalminha had given the visitors the lead.

And Spain's third Champions League representatives Valencia slumped to a fourth defeat out of four, 1-0 away at Real Betis.

Barcelona remain top for at least 24 hours, although a Rayo Vallecano win at Celta Vigo would see them toppled from their perch.

In the night's other games, Valladolid beat Malaga 4-2 and Espanol won against Oviedo 2-1.

Barcelona's defeat at Alaves stemmed from a ridiculous mix-up between Ruud Hesp and his defense.

After a rare attacking move from the home side had broken down, Hesp played a short pass out to Sergi.

The defender was guilty of a terrible lapse in concentration as he was more intent on explaining something to Frank de Boer than looking where the ball was.

Nan Rivera -- hardly believing his luck -- stole in for the ball before lobbing Hesp with a beautifully struck shot from fully 35 meters.

Barcelona had started brightly enough, taking the lead midway through the opening half as Dani Garcia squeezed a shot inside the post from within the area.

But Barca threw away their lead before halftime as Astudillo struck from close range after a fumble from Hesp.

Barcelona coach Louis van Gaal was as amazed as anyone by the second goal.

"You can't concede a goal like that at this level," said the Dutch coach. "Psychologically we were really down after that point and we just couldn't get it back."

 

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