Granada (AP) – The Spanish soccer record champions Real Madrid have consolidated the top of the table in the Primera Division. The royal team around ex-world champion Toni Kroos won 4-1 (1-0) against Valencia CF and increased their lead over Sevilla FC to at least eight points until Sunday.
Arch-rivals FC Barcelona, on the other hand, missed winning their third competitive game in the new year. The sporty and financially troubled club of renown came after a late conceding goal only to a 1: 1 (0: 0) at FC Granada. In the table, Barcelona are sixth for the time being. On Wednesday there will be a Clásico against Real in the semifinals of the Spanish Supercup.
The French striker Karim Benzema (43rd / penalty, 88th) and Vinicius Junior (52nd and 61st) each scored a clear win for Real. Valencia only came through with Goncalo Guedes to make it 1: 3 (76th).
Former Dutch Bundesliga professional Luuk de Jong, who is supposed to be leaving the Catalans, headed the opening goal in Granada in the 57th minute. Previously, the German national goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen prevented a deficit in the first half. In the final phase the guests were outnumbered after a yellow-red card against Gavi (79th), which Antonio Puertas used to equalize in the 89th minute.
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