Raphinha’s strike earned Barcelona an agonising 1-0 win over Athletic Bilbao on Sunday to revive their nine-point lead over Real Madrid on the prime of La Liga.
Real Sociedad stumbled to a 1-1 draw at Real Mallorca, with their bid to complete within the prime 4 dropping steam at an alarming charge.
Struggling Sevilla earned an necessary 2-1 win over Almeria to climb to thirteenth, two factors away from the relegation zone, leaving their opponents nineteenth.
In Barcelona’s first sport after being charged with corruption by Spanish prosecutors, they shut out the noise and took one other step in the direction of their first title since 2019.
The Catalans secured their nineteenth clear sheet in 25 La Liga video games this season as they held on to earn their ninth 1-0 win of the season, protecting second place Madrid at arm’s size after the champions beat Espanyol on Saturday.
Goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen made some very good saves within the second half and Alex Berenguer struck the submit, however Athletic couldn’t break down the league leaders.
When Inaki Williams ultimately did late on, the aim was disallowed after VAR noticed a handball by Iker Muniain within the build-up.
“In the tip what counts (is holding on), we defended with everyone, together with in aim, on the aim line, these are video games we’ve to win,” Ter Stegen told DAZN.
“I have not seen the disallowed goal, but that’s why we have VAR. It’s a decision (the officials) have to take. We are very happy to keep another clean sheet.”
With Ronald Araujo suspended, Xavi used Jules Kounde alongside Andreas Christensen and began Sergi Roberto at right-back.
The guests put in a backs-to-the-wall show to maintain Athletic out.
Athletic followers threw faux banknotes with the phrase “mafia” printed on them into the air, in protest after Barcelona’s corruption charge.
“I respect the fans at San Mames, they have always treated me well,” mentioned Xavi.
“It surprises me this ambiance of hostility in the direction of Barca. It saddens me there’s hostility in the direction of Barca at San Mames, I don’t assume it’s good for society.”
On the pitch the Catalans were under the cosh too, with Ter Stegen denying Williams and Raul Garcia heading against the crossbar.
In-form winger Raphinha finished well from Sergio Busquets’ clever pass before the break, against the run of play, and top scorer Robert Lewandowski missed two good chances on his return from injury.
It was all Athletic again after that, with Berenguer hitting the post and Ter Stegen denying Muniain.
Eventually Williams blasted past Ter Stegen after racing through on goal but Athletic were left infuriated after Muniain’s handball was spotted at the start of the move.
The win leaves the Catalans sitting comfortably clear ahead of next Sunday’s Clasico at Camp Nou, while Athletic are winless in five in the top flight.
“I think that VAR is there to correct big flagrant errors,” Valverde instructed DAZN.
“Huge errors, balls that went in, or not. Calling the referee as a result of it touched him, or it didn’t contact him … I don’t know if this belongs on this planet of soccer.”
Sociedad struggles
Real Sociedad have just one win in their last nine matches across all competitions and were frustrated by hosts Mallorca, 10th.
The Basque side remain fourth, level on 45 points with third-place Atletico Madrid, who visit Girona on Monday.
Carlos Fernandez fired Real Sociedad ahead early on but they could not extend their lead, and soon paid the price with Lee Kang-In levelling.
Real Sociedad captain Mikel Merino was dismissed late on for a late lunge on Abdon Prats to make a disappointing afternoon worse still.
“Today we wanted to win and the team’s reaction after their goal was phenomenal,” mentioned Real Sociedad coach Imanol Alguacil.
“Being shut (to successful), it escaped us, and we are able to do nothing else however reset and attempt to enhance.”
However neither Real Betis, fifth, or Villarreal, sixth, could capitalise, sharing a 1-1 draw at Estadio de la Ceramica, with Yeremy Pino’s goal cancelling out Borja Iglesias’ opener.
Sevilla came from behind to beat Almeria in an important battle at the bottom.
Sergio Akieme sent the visitors ahead but Lucas Ocampos levelled from the penalty spot.
Lamela headed home winger Bryan Gil’s cross to win it for Sevilla after 73 minutes, helping Jorge Sampaoli’s side bounce back after their hammering by Atletico last weekend.
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(This story has not been edited by News18 employees and is printed from a syndicated information company feed)
