By David Awopetu
Barcelona’s dismal start to the La Liga season continued as a second-half winner from substitute Alvaro Negredo handed Cadiz another major top-flight scalp.
It was a first home win in the top flight against any opposition for promoted Cadiz since 2006 and takes them four points above Barcelona.
Ronald Koeman’s men had banked on a fortunate own goal to haul themselves level after Alvaro Gimenez bundled the buoyant home side into an eighth-minute lead.
But an embarrassing defensive mix-up in the 63rd minute handed Negredo the chance to hit the winner with his first touch moments after replacing Gimenez and they held on for a 2-1 win.
The 35-year-old, who had only been on the pitch for 44 seconds, closed down Marc-Andre ter Stegen before rounding the sliding Frenkie de Jong to tap into an empty net.
Barcelona boss Ronald Koeman – who played in 1991 when Cadiz last beat Barca – appeared to have turned a corner after a poor start.
They had won six of their past seven games in all competitions but now sit 12 points behind leaders Atletico Madrid after 10 games. They are already six points off the Champions League places.
Lionel Messi had 10 of Barca’s 21 shots, with five saved by Jeremias Ledesma, but in truth Cadiz deserved their victory with a counter-attacking masterclass that proved a success despite having fewer possession.
