(Football news) Real Madrid and Barcelona have both dropped points in the midweek fixtures of La Liga. 1 point against Osasuna was enough to take Real Madrid to the top of the table for the time being. Barcelona however are still 9th on the table. Their loss against Rayo Vallecano was Ronald Koeman's last game incharge as the manager was sacked shortly after the game.
FC Barcelona were handed their 3rd league defeat of the season. Radamel Falcao's 30th minute strike was enough to secure 3 points for Rayo Vallecano. 'El Tigre' twisted and turned Gerard Pique before finding the back of the net with his left foot. Barcelona who were missing Frenkie De Jong and Ansu Fati through injury were completely outplayed in the game. In the 72nd minute Memphis Depay had a golden opportunity to equalise after he won a penalty but Dutch striker's spot kick was saved by the Rayo keeper.
Despite having a mammoth 69% possession, the Catalan club only 1 shot on target which was Depay's penalty. Rayo could've easily scored a couple more if they had been more efficient. Koeman was sacked just a few hours after the loss. Xavi looks to be the prime candidate to take over as Barcelona play Deportivo Alaves on Saturday in what now becomes a must win game.
Also read: Barcelona sack Ronald Koeman immediately after Rayo Vallecano defeat
Real Madrid played out a goalless draw against Osasuna. The game wasn't a stalemate as Real Madrid did everything right apart from putting the ball in the net. Los Blancos had 75% possession but only had 3 shots on target. Osasuna defended with 9 men behind the ball in the good old fashion park the bus. Real Madrid came agonisingly close to breaking the deadlock a few times but weren't clinical enough in front of goal and failed to move the ball around quickly in the first half.
The Merengues came with more intent in the second half but still couldn't get a goal. On any other day Real Madrid would've scored 5 goals but Osasuna players, in particular their captain David Garcia, defended very well. A good news for Ancelotti is that after 3 consecutive starts Toni Kroos looks to be back to his best once again. The point was enough to take Real Madrid to the top of the table for the time being. Los Blancos travel to Elche on Saturday before hosting Shakhtar Donetsk in UCL next week.
