Atletico, Barca neck and neck as Madrid slip up
0 Comment(s)
Print
E-mail Xinhua, March 27, 2014
|
|
|
Diego Costa heads in the only goal for Atletico at home to Granada. |
Sevilla striker Carlos Bacca turned the Spanish BBVA Primera Liga on its head once again with two goals as Sevilla defeated Real Madrid 2-1 in the Sanchez Pizjuan on Wednesday night.
Bacca scored in the 18th and 72nd minute of the game after Cristiano Ronaldo had put Real Madrid ahead with a deflected free-kick in the 14th minute.
It was Sevilla's sixth consecutive win and sees them climb to within six points of fourth place, but Bacca's goals had an even more dramatic effect on the top of the table.
Real Madrid had gone into the game on the back of their 3-4 defeat at home to FC Barcelona on Sunday evening, but with a one point lead over Barca and level on points with Atletico Madrid.
The defeat in Sevilla, coupled with Atletico's 1-0 win at home to Granada and Barca's 3-1 victory at home to Celta sees Real Madrid slip to third place, two points behind Barca and three behind Atletico, who have a superior head to head goal difference.
Four days ago the destiny of the title was in Real Madrid's hands, but now they need both Barca and Atletico Madrid to slip up if they are to be in with a chance of winning the league.
Real Madrid controlled most of the ball in the game, but were unable to break through a well-organized Sevilla defense as Ronaldo, despite his goal, and Gareth Bale both had disappointing games and Asier Illaramendi showed he is still unable to adequately replacing the suspended Angel Di Maria.
Atletico Madrid kicked off as leaders and were made to suffer for a long time against a well-drilled Granada until Diego Costa scored the only goal of the game to send a packed Vicente Calderon Stadium wild with joy.
Barcelona meanwhile followed on from Sunday's 3-4 over Real Madrid in the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium with a comfortable 3-0 at home to Celta Vigo.
Two goals from Neymar, who looked to have recovered some of his lost confidence and another strike from Leo Messi, gave Barca the points on a night where the bad news for the Catalans was the serious knee injury suffered by goalkeeper Victor Valdes in the 21st minute of the second half.
Valdes was carried off the pitch in tears and had to be replaced by Jose Pinto. Early speculation was that he has broken a cruciate ligament and will miss the rest of the season and also the World Cup, a huge blow for his club, country and also for Valdes, whose contract with Barca expires at the end of June.
Elsewhere a late Joaquin Larrivey penalty gave Rayo Vallecano the 1-0 victory against Osasuna and three vital points as they continue to climb away from the relegation zone.
Rayo have won four and drawn one of their last five matches, while Osasuna have lost their last four matches and now sit just one point above the relegation zone.
Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)