Barcelona and Girona failed to capitalise on Real Madrid’s slip-up in the Spanish league, as they both dropped points in their respective matches on Sunday. Madrid, who drew 2-2 at Valencia on Saturday, saw their lead at the top of the table increase to seven points over second-placed Girona and eight points over third-placed Barcelona.
Barcelona held by Athletic Bilbao in goalless draw
Defending champions Barcelona were frustrated by a resilient Athletic Bilbao side, who held them to a 0-0 draw at the San Mamés Stadium. The visitors had only two shots on target, while the hosts also had some chances to score, but neither team could find the breakthrough.
Barcelona lost two of their key players to injuries in the first half, as Frenkie De Jong and Pedri had to be substituted. De Jong twisted his ankle in the 26th minute, while Pedri suffered a leg muscle injury in the 45th minute. Barcelona coach Xavi Hernández said that the injuries affected his team’s performance and that they will be out for several matches.
“We didn’t play a good match,” Xavi said. “It’s a missed opportunity. We could have done better.”
Athletic Bilbao, who are fifth in the table, five points behind the last Champions League spot, paid tribute to a fan who died after suffering a stroke during the Copa del Rey match against Atletico Madrid on Thursday.
Girona lose to Mallorca in a surprise result
Girona, who had beaten Rayo Vallecano last week to end a three-match winless streak, suffered a shock defeat to Mallorca, who are fighting to avoid relegation. José Copete scored the only goal of the game in the 33rd minute, as he headed in a cross from Dani Rodríguez.
Girona, who are second in the table, seven points behind Madrid, could not find a way past the Mallorca defence, who kept a clean sheet for the first time in 10 matches. Mallorca, who are 15th in the table, eight points above the drop zone, celebrated a vital win in their bid to stay in the top flight.
Girona coach Eusebio Sacristán said that his team lacked intensity and creativity, and that they need to improve their consistency.
“We are disappointed with the result and the performance,” Eusebio said. “We have to learn from this and keep working hard.”
Atletico Madrid win over Real Betis to keep pace with the top three
Atletico Madrid bounced back from their elimination in the Copa del Rey semi-finals by Athletic Bilbao, as they beat Real Betis 2-1 at the Metropolitano Stadium. It was only their second win in eight matches in all competitions, as they also lost to Inter Milan in the Champions League and to Sevilla in the league.
Atletico Madrid, who are fourth in the table, 11 points behind Madrid, opened the scoring in the eighth minute, when Betis goalkeeper Rui Silva scored an own goal after failing to clear a cross. Álvaro Morata doubled the lead in the 44th minute, with a close-range header, ending his seven-game goal drought. Morata had also missed a penalty earlier in the first half.
Betis, who are sixth in the table, 14 points behind Atletico, reduced the deficit in the 62nd minute, when William Carvalho scored with a long-range shot. Betis have only won one of their last five matches in all competitions, against Athletic Bilbao in the previous league round.
Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone said that his team showed character and resilience, and that they are on the right track.
“We are happy with the win and the attitude of the players,” Simeone said. “We’ve been doing things well and hopefully this win will give us a boost.”
