A goal by Robert Lewandowski brought FC Barcelona a little closer to leaders Real Madrid in the Spanish Primera Division. The royal people had already suffered an unexpected setback in the title fight on Saturday and also worried against the Champions League crackers Manchester City around Antonio Rüdiger.
The defense chief of the German national football team injured himself at 0-1 (0-0) at Espanyol Barcelona and limped from the field after only 15 minutes. Rüdiger kept his right thigh, and the left knee also causes problems for him, and a longer failure would real. On February 11th and 19th, the playoff duels with the English champion from Manchester.
Atletico only one point behind Real
Rüdiger is one of the undisputed regular players in Madrid. So far, he has played 32 competitive games this season from the start and was one of the few constants in the defense battered by many injuries.
After Rüdiger’s replacement, Real missed the decision despite the clear superiority of the basement child from Barcelona and collected the late KO by Carlos Romero (85th). Previously, Rodrygo (77.) had only hit the post. The lead on pursuers Atletico Madrid shrinks to one point. The local rival had built up a 2-0 (1: 0) pressure with a 2-0 (1: 0) print.
For coach Diego Simeone it was the 500th match in La Liga, Samuel Lino (26th) and Antoine Griezmann (90.+3) gave him the victory for the anniversary. FC Barcelona will play against Deportivo Alavés on Sunday and for the connection to the top duo.
Lewandowski is decisive, worried about Gavi
And Barcelona was also able to improve his chances of the championship. The team of the former national coach Hansi Flick won against relegation candidate Deportivo Alavés thanks to Robert Lewandowski without 1-0 (0-0). As the third in the table, the Catalans are now only four points behind Real, three are on Atletico.
The 42,900 spectators in the Olympic Stadium experienced a shock moment after a quarter of an hour: Barca’s midfield talent Gavi, who had only recently extended his contract until 2030, and Alavés striker Tomas Conechny experienced his heads. Both had to be replaced, Conechny even carried out of the square with a ruff.
As a result, Barcelona Lange struggled: Lewandowski (61st) scored the only goal of the day after the presentation of Barca jewel Lamine Yamal. On Thursday, the Catalans will continue in the Copa del Rey. There is a quarter-final meeting with FC Valencia (9.30 p.m.).