On Saturday, the fifth round of the 24th round of matches of the Spanish "La Liga" championship took place.
"Barcelona" hosted "Real Valladolid" at home. Despite a very difficult 90 minutes, the Catalans managed to achieve a minimal victory and maintain a safe advantage over their closest pursuers.
In the 43rd minute, a winning goal was scored when Gerard Pique earned a penalty kick after a failed "Real Valladolid" counterattack, which was successfully converted by Lionel Messi.
In the second half, the visitors were less dangerous, but "Barcelona" also struggled in attack.
There were also blanks for Lionel Messi, who made mistakes or gave inaccurate passes. The Argentine had the opportunity to score a second goal in the 85th minute, but this time he did not succeed from the penalty spot - former "Barcos" goalkeeper Jordi Masip reacted well to his shot.
However, "Barca" managed to secure a crucial victory with just one goal. "Barca" now has a seven-point advantage, but Madrid's "Real" could regain second place tomorrow and maintain a six-point gap.
"Real Valladolid" is currently in 15th place.
Result:
"Barcelona" 1 - 0 "Real Valladolid"
43' [1 - 0] L. Messi (penalty kick)
85' L. Messi ("Barcelona") missed penalty kick
Standings:
