One year later after the iconic Argentine legend Diego Maradona passed away, the once-mighty Barcelona faced Boca Juniors in the Maradona Cup organised as a tribute to the legendary figure, and Philippe Coutinho produced his own symbolic ‘Hand of God’ moment during the match.<\/p>\n
Despite Coutinho literally \u2018handing\u2019 Barcelona a goal during the match on Tuesday, that was still not good enough to avoid another defeat for Xavi’s side, who are noticeably piling up the defeats of late.<\/p>\n
As a fitting tribute to the late Argentine maverick with his dubious \u2018Hand of God\u2019 World Cup feat, Barcelona faced Boca Juniors in Saudi Arabia following the first anniversary since Maradona’s demise, and it was the Argentinian side that were victorious following a penalty shootout.<\/p>\n
Barcelona had surged into the lead with their own special touch as Coutinho had a hand in the exchange in handling the ball before Ferran Jutgla smashed in the opener, but Exequiel Zeballos equalised for Boca 13 minutes from the final whistle. The turnaround was completed after a final penalty shootout with Barcelona missing two of their four penalties to hand victory to their opposition.<\/p>\n
The handball seemed somehow appropriate as a recall of Maradona’s infamous hotly-disputed goal against England in the 1986 World Cup that definitely gave Argentina a helping hand on their way to the ultimate prize that year.<\/p>\n
However, in all honesty, Coutinho’s handball wasn’t at all deliberate as the ball struck the Brazilian who was trying to block his face, and the ball was deflected straight to Jutgla who rifled home from close range. The freak goal still couldn’t stop yet another defeat for Barcelona, who seem to be getting quite accustomed to being on the losing side lately.<\/p>\n
Their recent most scourging defeat came against Bayern Munich in the Champions League, resulting in their failing to qualify for the knockout rounds of the competition for the first time since the 2003\/04 season.<\/p>\n
Tasting humble pie after decades of dominance in Europe, Barcelona are now left to be content with a Europa League play-off, and again \u2013 in the oddest of coincidences and probably one most fitting following the anniversary of Maradona’s passing \u2013 the Catalan side have drawn Napoli for the encounter.<\/p>\n
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