Barcelona valiantly held on with 10 males to edge out Valencia 1-0 on Sunday and lengthen their lead over second-placed Real Madrid to 9 factors in La Liga, courtesy of Raphinha’s early header.
The champions couldn’t discover a method via in opposition to Real Betis in an entertaining 0-0 draw later on the Benito Villamarin.
Brazilian winger Raphinha nodded Barca in entrance within the sixteenth minute. But after Ferran Torres missed a penalty and Ronald Araujo was despatched off, the hosts had been left preventing tooth and nail for the three factors.
They retreated within the last half hour following Araujo’s 59th-minute purple card however survived to beat Ruben Baraja’s Valencia, who’re nineteenth and two factors from security.
“We suffered too much; we had many chances to score the second,” Xavi advised reporters.
“It can’t be that we have to finish games like that when we have chances. We have to learn how to close out games.”
Barcelona’s 1-0 Copa del Rey semi-final first-leg conquer Madrid on Thursday adopted two consecutive defeats. Nevertheless, this slim victory was a major step towards a primary league title since 2019.
The Catalans did sufficient to win with out high scorer Robert Lewandowski, midfield maestros Pedri and Gavi, and winger Ousmane Dembele.
Valencia resisted early Barcelona stress however got here undone when Sergio Busquets lofted a cross into the realm for Raphinha to satisfy with a crafty run and a header over Giorgi Mamardashvili.
Samuel Lino missed a giant likelihood for Valencia within the first half, and early within the second, Barcelona ought to have moved two forward when Hugo Guillamon was penalized for handball.
Torres grabbed the ball to take the penalty, though Ansu Fati additionally needed it, and the pair exchanged phrases, growing the stress on the Spaniard, who hit the publish.
Fati hit the woodwork himself moments later earlier than a mistake from Jules Kounde left Barcelona with 10 males.
The French defender’s header again in the direction of his personal aim despatched Hugo Duro via. Araujo dragged down the striker and noticed purple.
Valencia put stress on Barcelona with out troubling Marc-Andre ter Stegen, who saved his 18th La Liga clear sheet of the season.
The guests may need been awarded a late penalty when Franck Kessie tangled with Fran Perez, however the referee waved away their determined – and never unfounded – appeals.
“I thought the referee was going to blow for (the penalty), he steps on him, and there’s contact,” stated Valencia’s Hugo Guillamon.
Madrid drop factors
Reigning champions Madrid solid the higher openings in opposition to Betis however couldn’t discover the aim they wanted to remain as shut as doable on Barcelona’s tail.
Karim Benzema had a free kick strike disallowed, whereas Betis goalkeeper Claudio Bravo made tremendous saves to disclaim the French ahead and Vinicius Junior.
Thibaut Courtois was additionally compelled into two excellent stops by Betis, who confirmed why they’re in competition for a Champions League place subsequent season with a robust efficiency.
“It’s quite evident what we’re lacking; we have to be more efficient,” Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti advised Movistar.
“Sometimes opponents close up at the back, but we have the quality and must do it better.”
Despite the setback, the coach didn’t suppose his crew’s title protection was over.
“It’s not impossible. It’s tough, but we have no doubt we will try until the end,” added Ancelotti.
As has turn out to be customary in La Liga, Madrid winger Vinicius was in a operating battle with the Betis protection.
Vinicius has not scored away from house within the high flight since August however brilliantly arrange Benzema at the beginning of the second half, with former Barcelona stopper Bravo parrying the hassle.
It was Madrid’s first shot heading in the right direction since final weekend’s 1-1 draw in opposition to Atletico Madrid.
Los Blancos have scored simply as soon as of their final three video games – from a nook.
“I’m more upset than angry,” stated Ancelotti.
“I’m upset that this team, with this quality, can’t score a goal in three games (from open play).”
Courtois made a shocking save to thwart Borja Iglesias on the different finish when the striker appeared poised to attain.
“We had moments in which we had clear openings, my chance with Thibaut,” Iglesias advised Movistar.
“That’s why this guy wins what he wins – he saves a lot.”
Real Valladolid climbed to 14th with a 2-1 over Espanyol, whereas Rayo Vallecano and Athletic Bilbao shared a 0-0 draw.
Source: www.dailysabah.com
