This Cádiz side has its own unique identity that, when it’s in full flow, ensures the team picks up points. Los Amarillos arrived at the Camp Nou with the clear plan to be more of a team than ever, even with Álvaro Cervera's shaking up of the starting eleven: Fali returning to the defence, Marcos Mauro replacing Cala, Perea and Sobrino in the midfield, and pace on the wings offered by Jairo and Salvi.
Now was the time to bring it all together against a wounded opponent who right from the off tried to press Cádiz into their own half. A Messi free-kick saved by Ledesma was responded to well with a Salvi counter-attack which ended with his cross landing in the hands of Ter Stegen. The blaugranas targeted the few gaps that were left open. Jordi Alba and Dembélé both hit the woodwork and then just before the half-hour mark, the clearest chance so far came from Messi’s left-footed shot from the edge of the area, one that Ledesma saved superbly.
Things were going along relatively comfortably, until the 30th minute when Pedri was fouled inside the area. A penalty, converted by Messi, that put Cádiz behind on the scoreboard. But despite this setback, Rubén Sobrino was immediately presented with an open goal for the equaliser, but Salvi's cross helped on by Negredo arrived too close to him and he failed to get a shot on target.
There was a lack of clarity from Cádiz in the final minutes of the first half and Barça had the ball in the net twice, via Griezmann and Pedri, but both were ruled out for clear offsides.
The second half began with a Salvi free-kick, the rebound of which ended up with Fali firing wide. Cervera saw what was happening and brought in José Mari and Álex along with Lozano. José Mari, who hails from Rota, was back after two months out, and three months since he last played in LaLiga Santander. His ability to bring the ball out was clearly appreciated by the team. Ledesma was called into action again by Messi and Dembélé, but neither caused the keeper too much trouble. As the game went on the home side’s shots were coming from father out, and were becoming less and less accurate. The Argentinian though did have a shot that flew just over the crossbar in the 78th minute.
Cádiz continued to fight without pause. Jonsson replacing Perea and Alejo coming on for Salvi who went off with a calf problem. Los Amarillos kept themselves alive into the very final stages and there was no doubting the foul by Lenglet on Rubén Sobrino for the penalty. VAR was not required. Álex scored from the spot and earned a deserved draw for his side. Cádiz, who can never be left for dead when they are true to their essence, picked up a point at the Camp Nou and put an end to their poor run. The real Cádiz is back.
