(Football news) Barcelona had a chance to go 14 points clear on top of the table but the Blaugrana failed to take it. Real Madrid lost 4-2 to Girona which gave Barcelona a chance to further strengthen their position but Rayo Vallecano defeated Barcelona 2-1 as the league leaders had an outing to forget. Xavi started the team in his standard 4-3-3 formation with Robert Lewandowski up top.

Pedri returned to the starting line-up for the first time since 17th February as he was part of a three man midfield alongside Frenkie De Jong and Gavi. Ansu Fati, Franck Kessie, Jordi Alba and Eric Garcia were once again on the bench as Xavi played with the same team that defeated Atletico Madrid apart from Sergio Busquets who was suspended.

Rayo Vallecano started the game really well and got their reward in the 19th minute as Sergio Camello assisted Alvaro Garcia to make it 1-0 to the home side. Barcelona had a couple of chances but they couldn’t test the Vallecano goalkeeper. Robert Lewandowski looked to have scored the equalizer just before half time but the flag was raised for offside. In the 53rd minute Real Madrid academy product Fran Garcia who will be a Madrid player next season doubled Rayo Vallecano’s lead. Lewandowski did pull one goal back with an incredible finish but Barcelona couldn’t manage to get another goal.

Barcelona will still manage to win La Liga unless something dramatic happens but it has not been a great season as such. The big reason for Barcelona being 11 points clear of Real Madrid is that Los Blancos are underperforming. Their performance in Europe has now been embarrassing for two seasons in a row. The Catalan club are playing some great football in patches but it is still a work in progress. The coming transfer window is really important for Barcelona in terms of incomings as well as outgoings. Their next game is at home against 5th placed Real Betis.

Also read: Injury ridden Real Madrid lose 4-2 against Girona away from home