FOOTBALL – Like an exciting thriller you must watch until the end as it has so many twists and turns, this week´s football was no different. As the top four in La Liga continue to battle until the end, nothing can be certain, and no outcome is guaranteed.
It was impossible to predict any of the scores this week. First up was Barcelona when they were away to Levante at Estadi Ciutat de Valencia. The last time they played here, the stadium was full and Levante won 3-1.
Barcelona
Levante played host to Barcelona on Tuesday. A win for Barcelona meant they would move to the top of the table. Pedri had the first chance of the game, after just 4 minutes, but the shot was blocked by Fernandez. Then, in true Messi style, from a Jordi Alba cross, he opened the score line after 25 minutes.
Then Messi took the ball, passed to Dembele who found Pedri and scored just under 10 minutes later.
The first half ended 2-0 with Barcelona looking set to take the 3 points.
However, a header from Melero in 57 minute and a volley from Morales into the far corner after 60 minutes, brought both teams square at 2-2. Four minutes later after a tackle on Griezmann, Dembele scored and brought a win in sight once again for Barcelona. But it was not to be when, with just seven minutes remaining, Sergio Leon equalised.
The game ended 3-3 with 2 yellow cards for each team.
Atletico Madrid
Atletico Madrid on Wednesday played at home against Real Sociedad and won 2-1. A goal from Carrasco came just 16 minutes into the game. With a second from Correa 12 mintues later. The remainder of the first half remained goalless with Atletico going in 2-0 up at half time.
The second half didn´t produce any goals until the last 7 minutes of the 90 when Zubeldia gave some hope to Sociedad. Although Real Sociedad appeared to have much of the possession throughout the game, they failed to make good on this. This was the only match involving the top four to not receive any cards whatsoever.
Sevilla
Sevilla, at home to Valencia on Wednesday won 1-0 keeping their title hopes alive. There were plenty of chances for both sides, but the first real chance of the match came from Suso in 21 minutes. However, the goal was disallowed for offside. The first half ended 0-0.
At the start of the second half, Valencia seemed to have the upper hand. However, eventually in the 66th minute, Fernandez set up the ball for Youssef En-Nesyri, who put it in the net. The game finished 1-0 with two yellow cards a-piece.
Real Madrid
Real Madrid played on Thursday at Nuevo Estadio de Los Cármenes against Granada. The first goal came for Real Madrid after just 17 minutes when Modric placed the ball through the legs of Silva and into the goal. The second goal came just into extra time of the first half when again Silva couldn´t manage to save the goal from Rodrygo as it nudged into the corner of the net.
Granada managed to pull one back after just over 70 minutes when an attempt from Luis Suarez (from Granada) rebounded and Molina was perfectly positioned to make the strike and hit the ball home. However, four minutes later, Hazard squared the ball to Odriozola at the edge of the 6 yard box, who then finished the job. This quickly followed by a mistake from Siva, which Benzema took full advantage of to end the game on 4-1. There were 3 yellow cards given to each side
Going into the weekend and the next set of matches, the table stands as follows;
Atletico remain top on 80 points after their win on Wednesday. Barcelona with 76 points, went one point ahead of Real Madrid. However, after Real Madrid´s win last night, this put them on 78 points knocking Barcelona off their temporary number 2 position. Sevilla are still up there in 4th position with 74 points. Meaning there are only two points between each of the top four.
Sunday is a big day for the top four
As seen in last week´s games, anything can happen. With only 6 point between 1st and 4th and only 2 games each remaining, it is vital that each team takes away 2 points from every match. The following matches will be played on Sunday;
Athletic Club v Real Madrid
Villarreal v Sevilla
Atletico v Osasuna
Barcelona v Celta Vigo
