Leaders FC Barcelona have capitalized on rival Real Madrid’s blunder in Spain’s LaLiga and taken a big step towards the league title.
The Catalans won 3-0 (0-0) against FC Sevilla on Sunday evening and celebrated their fifth success in a row in the league on Sunday (February 5th, 2023). Barca are now eight points ahead of Los Blancos in the table, who previously surprisingly lost 0-1 (0-1) at RCD Mallorca. Barcelona initially struggled against Sevilla with former Bayern star Robert Lewandowski and international goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen.
In the second round, defender Jordi Alba (58th) saved the favorites after a great pass from Franck Kessie. Gavi (70′) and Raphinha (79′) then secured the three points for Barca.
Real takes defeat with them to the Club World Cup
Before leaving for the Football Club World Cup, Real Madrid suffered a sensitive defeat in the domestic La Liga at RCD Mallorca. The “Royal” lost 0-1 (0-1) on Sunday (February 5th, 2023) on the Balearic Islands through an own goal by Nacho (13th minute). In addition, Marco Asensio failed in the second half with a penalty for the guests at RCD goalkeeper Predrag Rajkovic (60th).
Real remains second at the start of the second half of the season with 45 points. Leaders and long-time rivals FC Barcelona could extend their lead to eight points with a win against Sevilla FC in the evening.
San Sebastian’s ambitions to participate in international business were also dampened. The Basques lost 1-0 at home to Real Valladolid. Girona also narrowly defeated Valencia 1-0.
Atletico only with a draw
Ateltico Madrid had already dropped points on Saturday. The fourth-placed side did not get past a 1-1 (0-0) draw against Getafe FC. The Atletico lead by Angel Correa (60th) was equalized by the guests in the final phase with Enes Ünal (83rd).
Villarreal loses at the bottom
There was also a setback for Betis Sevilla and FC Villarreal in the fight for the top spots. Betis lost to Celta Vigo 3-4 (2-2) at home and also lost Luiz Felipe with a red card in hectic stoppage time.
A win could have reduced Betis (6th, 31 points) and Villarreal (5th, 31 points) from fourth place to one point. Villarreal surprisingly lost 3-1 at bottom side FC Elche. Pere Milla (3rd, 45th + 3, 52nd) scored the first win of the season for the underdog with a hat-trick. Gerard Moreno (22nd) managed to equalize in the meantime.