Barcelona secured a crucial 1-0 victory against Las Palmas in the Spanish league, with Raphinha playing a pivotal role in the win. The match saw Las Palmas reduced to 10 men early on after their goalkeeper, Álvaro Vallés, received a red card for a foul on Raphinha. The Brazil winger later scored the only goal of the game in the 59th minute, courtesy of a well-executed header from a pass by substitute João Félix.
This victory brings Barcelona within five points of league leaders Real Madrid, highlighting their determination to challenge for the title until the end of the season. Despite facing challenges, Barcelona’s recent form has been impressive, with an unbeaten streak of 11 games across all competitions. Coach Xavi Hernandez, serving a suspension, noted the importance of the win in keeping the team in the title race.
In another noteworthy match, Osasuna striker Ante Budimir scored his 16th league goal of the season, matching Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham as one of the leading scorers in the competition. Budimir’s goal helped secure a 3-0 win for Osasuna against Almeria, showcasing his prolific form this season.
However, the Sevilla-Getafe match was overshadowed by racist insults directed at Sevilla defender Marcos Acuña and coach Quique Sánchez Flores by fans. Referee Javier Iglesias had to briefly halt the game due to the unacceptable behavior, emphasizing the ongoing need to combat racism in football.
In preparation for the Copa del Rey final, Mallorca battled to a 0-0 draw against Valencia. With three clean sheets in their last four games, Mallorca is focused on maintaining their defensive solidity as they gear up for the upcoming final.
As the league takes a break for the Copa del Rey final next weekend, Barcelona will now shift their focus to the Champions League quarterfinal clash against Paris Saint-Germain. With key players returning from injuries and a renewed sense of determination, Barcelona is poised to challenge top teams in both domestic and European competitions.
Stay tuned for more updates on the latest in Spanish league action and exciting matchups across the football world. For comprehensive soccer coverage, visit the AP soccer hub.
Source link
