Barcelona extended their lead at the top of the La Liga standings to four points despite only picking up a point in their latest match against Real Betis this weekend. Barca’s comfort at the top came about due to Real Madrid’s shocking defeat against Valencia earlier on Saturday.
Barca Held by Betis at Camp Nou
Knowing that their rival lost ground in the La Liga battle, the Blaugrana were keen on extending their lead further. That plan seems to be working well as the home side got themselves in front after just seven minutes of play through Gavi.
However, that lead lasted for only 10 minutes as Betis managed to draw level following a goal from Natan. Despite both teams’ strong efforts in the second half, neither was able to snatch that all-important winning goal as the match ended in a draw.
Although failing to pick up all three points, it was still a positive result for Barcelona as they did go four points ahead of Los Blancos in the standings.
Madrid Stunned by Valencia at Santiago Bernabeu
Earlier, Los Blancos saw their title challenge get tougher as they suffered a disappointing 2-1 defeat against Los Che. Playing in front of their home crowd, Madrid immediately took the attacking initiative as they searched for early goals.
However, it was Valencia that got in front, thanks to Mouctar Diakhaby’s goal after just 15 minutes of play. Madrid finally managed to get back on level terms early in the second half, following a close-range finish by Vinicius Junior.
Carlo Ancelotti’s men spent the remainder of the game searching for that all-important winning goal but poor finishing simply cost them. Madrid’s failure to convert their chances eventually led to their downfall as Valencia managed to snatch the winning goal through Hugo Duro’s goal in injury time.
That result means now Los Blancos are four points behind Barcelona in the standings but fortunately, there’s still plenty of games left for Ancelotti’s side to turn things around.
La Liga Saturday Fixture Results
Rayo Vallecano 0-4 Espanyol; Girona 0-1 Alaves; Mallorca 1-2 Celta Vigo; Real Madrid 1-2 Valencia; Barcelona 1-1 Real Betis.
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