(Football news) Barcelona got a narrow 1-0 win over Villarreal. With defending champions Real Madrid playing the Club World Cup in Morocco, Barcelona took the opportunity to go 11 points clear. The psychological advantage at this stage of the competition will be massive for the Blaugrana. Xavi replaced the injured Sergio Busquets with Franck Kessie as Barcelona once again played with a midfield 4. Alex Balde was preferred over Marcos Alonso and Jordi Alba at left back. Ansu has been in the news as a number of teams are trying to lure him out of Barcelona and the rumors were fuelled as the Spaniard was an used substitute.

It took Barcelona just 18 minutes to take the lead. Pedri was set up by Robert Lewandowski after some beautiful intricate build up. Villarreal had a couple of really good chances to go level before half time but their finishing was below par. In the 2nd half both teams had a lot of chances but the score remained 1-0 to Barcelona. In the 90th minute Villarreal had the ball in the back of the net but the flag was raised for offside. Barcelona are marching towards the title as Real Madrid would have to pull off something special to catch up with their arch rivals.

Atletico Madrid got a 1-0 win against Celta Vigo. Diego Simeone lined up in a 4-3-3 with Antoine Griezmann and Marcos Llorente flanking Alvaro Morata. In the 70th minute Stefan Savic was once again sent off once again. The red card was Savic’s 3rd in 5 games which is absolutely poor from the center back. 10 man Atletico Madrid managed to sneak in a goal in the 89th minute via substitute Memphis Depay. The goal was Depay’s first one for Atlético Madrid. The Dutchman will be hoping that the goal earns him a start as Simeone is yet to name him in the starting line-up.

Also read: Late goals help Manchester United overcome Leeds in the Premier League