MADRID - Barcelona coach Gerardo Martino rued his side's profligacy in front of goal as their La Liga title hopes were all but ended by a 1-0 defeat away to Granada on Saturday.
The Catalans dominated after Yacine Brahimi had fired Granada into a 16th-minute lead, but despite enjoying more than 80% of possession and having 29 efforts on goal, they failed to find a way past inspired Granada goalkeeper Orestis Karnezis.
The setback saw Barca slip to third on the table with just five games to play as Real Madrid beat Almeria 4-0 at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Log leaders Atletico Madrid were due to meet Getafe last night.
"We no longer have matters in our own hands, but I couldn't ask for anything more from the players," Martino said. "They tried in every way possible. They created plenty of chances, but it wasn't to be. I can't criticise them for anything apart from obviously not finishing off the chances we had."
Barca have endured a hellish week as they were also dumped out of the Champions League before the semifinals for the first time in seven years by Atletico in midweek.
The last realistic hope for Martino's men of winning some silverware this season therefore comes on Wednesday when they face Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey final.
The Argentine insisted his side will be up for the fight against Real having already beaten Los Blancos twice this season.
"Obviously, after the defeats we have had in the Champions League and the league the dressing room feels as if it has let important opportunities go, but the game on Wednesday doesn't depend on the Champions League or La Liga. It is a final and we have to try and win it."
Martino, though, insisted Barca would not give up the fight to retain their title.
Real will go into the cup final in much higher sprits after their success on Saturday. However, injury problems are mounting for coach Carlo Ancelotti as Sergio Ramos missed Almeria's visit due to a neck injury and joins Cristiano Ronaldo and Marcelo as doubts for the clash against Barca on Wednesday.
"I am confident Ramos will be fit for Wednesday, he just had a small problem with his neck and [Xabi] Alonso and [Dani] Carvajal, who were suspended today, will return.
"At the moment I don't know if Ronaldo will play. Marcelo is doing individual work and I don't think he will be fit for Wednesday." - AFP
Barca's Martino left to rue missed chances
MADRID - Barcelona coach Gerardo Martino rued his side's profligacy in front of goal as their La Liga title hopes were all but ended by a 1-0 defeat away to Granada on Saturday.
The Catalans dominated after Yacine Brahimi had fired Granada into a 16th-minute lead, but despite enjoying more than 80% of possession and having 29 efforts on goal, they failed to find a way past inspired Granada goalkeeper Orestis Karnezis.
The setback saw Barca slip to third on the table with just five games to play as Real Madrid beat Almeria 4-0 at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Log leaders Atletico Madrid were due to meet Getafe last night.
"We no longer have matters in our own hands, but I couldn't ask for anything more from the players," Martino said. "They tried in every way possible. They created plenty of chances, but it wasn't to be. I can't criticise them for anything apart from obviously not finishing off the chances we had."
Barca have endured a hellish week as they were also dumped out of the Champions League before the semifinals for the first time in seven years by Atletico in midweek.
The last realistic hope for Martino's men of winning some silverware this season therefore comes on Wednesday when they face Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey final.
The Argentine insisted his side will be up for the fight against Real having already beaten Los Blancos twice this season.
"Obviously, after the defeats we have had in the Champions League and the league the dressing room feels as if it has let important opportunities go, but the game on Wednesday doesn't depend on the Champions League or La Liga. It is a final and we have to try and win it."
Martino, though, insisted Barca would not give up the fight to retain their title.
Real will go into the cup final in much higher sprits after their success on Saturday. However, injury problems are mounting for coach Carlo Ancelotti as Sergio Ramos missed Almeria's visit due to a neck injury and joins Cristiano Ronaldo and Marcelo as doubts for the clash against Barca on Wednesday.
"I am confident Ramos will be fit for Wednesday, he just had a small problem with his neck and [Xabi] Alonso and [Dani] Carvajal, who were suspended today, will return.
"At the moment I don't know if Ronaldo will play. Marcelo is doing individual work and I don't think he will be fit for Wednesday." - AFP
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