Barcelona without Koeman draw with Alaves in Spanish league

By Can Erozden

ANKARA (AA) - Barcelona were without Ronald Koeman for the first time and were handed a disappointing 1-1 draw at home against Alaves in a Spanish La Liga match Saturday.

Dutch star Memphis Depay scored the opening goal for Barcelona at Camp Nou Stadium.

In the 49th minute, Depay found the net, scoring a classy goal outside the penalty area.

But Barcelona had the 1-0 lead for only three minutes, as Alaves' winger Luis Rioja dribbled past Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen to finish.

It was the first match for Sergi Barjuan, who was named Barcelona's interim manager on Thursday after the dismissal of Dutch colleague Koeman for poor results.

Barcelona collected 16 points in 11 matches and is in ninth place in the standings.

Alaves have 10 points and occupies the 16th spot.

Real Madrid, Sevilla and Real Sociedad are now the best three teams on top as they have 24 points each.