Barcelona held on to their unbeaten record at Balaidos, just. They are now 40 without defeat in La Liga, but this was one of the closest games they have come to defeat in that period.
Sergi Roberto was sent off for taking out Iago Aspas, who was bursting through on goal, leaving Ernesto Valverde’s side to play the last 20 minutes with 10 men.
Barcelona rotated. Heavily. Philippe Coutinho and Marc-Andre ter Stegen were the only survivors from the 2-1 win over Valencia on Saturday. That meant Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez had to sit on the bench, although the Argentine was called upon in the second half.
Barcelona went ahead through Ousmane Dembele after an early scare at the other end, with Marc-Andre ter Stegen making a fine save to deny Maxi Gomez.
Jonny Castro gave the ball away and Philippe Coutinho fed Paco Alcacer, who teed up Dembele to blast Barcelona in front after 36 minutes.
However on the stroke of half-time Jonny made amends with the equaliser after Andre Gomes gave the ball away with a slack pass to Dembele.
Barcelona went back in front after the break when Nelson Semedo crossed for Paulinho, who stabbed the ball towards the far corner, with Alcacer getting the final touch to ensure it went over the line.
However substitute Sergi Roberto was soon sent off for a cynical foul on Aspas, who equalised with eight minutes remaining - handling the ball into the net.
Barcelona held on though, keeping that unbeaten record.