Champions Madrid defeated Cadiz on Saturday to cut Barcelona’s lead in half, and with nine games remaining, it appears unlikely that they will catch Barcelona u2013 but Xavi Hernandez’s side is edging closer.
Barcelona drew 0-0 at home against Girona on Monday, their second consecutive stalemate, the team still reeling from Madrid’s thrashing in the Copa del Rey semi-final earlier in April.
The one bright spot for Barcelona was a 22nd clean sheet of the season in the top flight, with Getafe, 15th, not posing much of a threat.
Here you suffer, because the grass is high, the usual tricks, so it’s hard, the clear chances you have — you have to put them away, Barcelona keeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen told DAZN.
It’s a difficult pitch because it’s dry. We did things a little differently than usual. Xavi agreed with Ter Stegen that the poor quality of the pitch played a role in the outcome, but said Barcelona couldn’t hide behind it.
It’s not an excuse; we weren’t accurate, we took chances but couldn’t convert them, Xavi said. But, yes, the grass hurt us, and the ball didn’t run.
– There is no way out –
After a sluggish start, the Catalans created the first clear chance at the Coliseum Alfonso Perez when Raphinha fired against the post, with Balde’s follow-up also hitting the crossbar.
Sergi Roberto was injured, appearing to have a hamstring problem, adding to Barcelona’s long list of absentees. In recent weeks, the league leaders have been severely missing explosive winger Ousmane Dembele and creative midfielder Pedri.
Getafe were content with a point, sitting back as Barcelona looked for a break and ran into custodian David Soria, although Borja Mayoral almost scored for the hosts on the break.
Xavi’s side remain firm favourites to win the title for the first time since 2019, but if they falter at home against Atletico Madrid next weekend, doubts may arise. Getafe are four points above the relegation zone following Valencia’s defeat at Mestalla.
Sevilla, who will host Manchester United in the Europa League quarter-final second leg next week, defeated the frustrated hosts, for whom Ilaix Moriba was sent off late in the game. Defender Loic Bade put Sevilla ahead early in the second half at Mestalla, and Suso doubled the visitors’ lead.
Valencia’s rage grew when they were denied a penalty after the ball struck Fernando’s hand in the area, and then had a spot kick award reversed by the referee after VAR revealed no foul had been committed.
The win propelled Jose Luis Mendilibar’s Sevilla to 12th place, eight points clear of the bottom three, continuing their upward trend since he took over for Jorge Sampaoli in March.
Griezmann’s goals
Atletico Madrid remained two points behind Real Madrid after a narrow win over Almeria (17th), which should have been more comfortable. When Angel Correa nodded on a corner to the back post, Antoine Griezmann headed Atletico ahead in the fifth minute.
Diego Simeone’s team dominated throughout, but Almeria equalised when Leo Baptistao’s shot deflected in off Jose Gimenez. Griezmann scored his 11th league goal just before halftime, finishing clinically from Yannick Carrasco’s pass at the end of a fine team move.
In the second half, Carrasco and Griezmann both hit the post as Atletico Madrid looked to seal the game. They were unable to find a third goal, and Almeria gave Atletico a scare in the closing stages, appealing for a penalty when Gimenez handled but VAR determined there was offside.
I think I’m at my most complete version in terms of assists and goals, Griezmann explained to Movistar. I’m pleased with my performances, but I haven’t yet reached my potential; I hope to do so soon.
Girona, ninth in the table, defeated bottom-placed Elche 2-0, leaving the stragglers 17 points from safety.
