Barcelona Close La Liga Gap With Nervy Alaves' Win As Real Madrid Stumble

Written by Oluwadamilola Olaleye

Robert Lewandoski’s lone goal was enough for Barcelona to edge a resilient Alaves as they reduced the deficit on the La Liga table standings with fiercest rival Real Madrid falling to a dramatic away defeat to Espanyol.

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Real Madrid’s loss to Espanyol on Saturday combined with Barcelona’s narrow 1-0 victory over Alavés today has tightened the race at the top of the La Liga table. Barcelona now trails league leaders Real Madrid by four points and second-place Atlético Madrid who secured a win against Mallorca by three points.

Barcelona who occupied the league summit much at the early stage of the season have now seen their prospects in the domestic championship increase significantly with this win. Despite a determined effort from their relegation-threatened opponents who proved difficult to break down, Barcelona ultimately secured a crucial victory thanks to a goal from Robert Lewandowski shortly after the hour mark.

At the other end of Barcelona where Espanyol hosted the defending champions Real Madrid, the game was characterized by VAR drama as they ran out eventual losers while also losing key defender Antonio Rudiger to injury.

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Los Blancos dominated the game from the beginning to the blast of the final whistle but they felt undone following an 85th minute goal from Carlos Romero who they believed should have been sent off earlier on. Romero’s challenge from behind on Mbappé in the 62nd minute went unpunished but despite the nature of the tackle, neither the referee, Muñiz Ruiz, nor the VAR official, Iglesias Villanueva, deemed it worthy of a red card much to the disappointment of the away fans and the team’s bench.

Real Madrid’s recent defeat in Barcelona has done little to alter their position at the summit of La Liga. Despite the setback, they continue to hold the top spot in the league table. However, their victory feels somewhat bittersweet as they now face a nervous wait regarding the fitness of key defender Antonio Rüdiger.

“Following tests carried out on Antonio Rüdiger by Real Madrid’s medical services, the player has been diagnosed with an injury to the biceps femoris in his right leg. His progress will be monitored”, the club revealed.

This is a significant concern for Real Madrid as they have a crucial Champions League clash against Manchester City looming on the horizon. His presence and defensive prowess would be vital in containing the formidable attack of Manchester City.

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