(Football news) The title race in La Liga is spicing up with only 4 points between 2nd placed Sevilla and Table toppers Real Madrid and the battle for a Champions League spot is also more intense than before. La Liga is gearing up for a very exciting final 3 months with battles for the title, Top 4 and relegation set to go right down to the wire.
Real Madrid were held to a goalless draw by Villarreal at the La Ceramica. Karim Benzema's absence was clearly felt. Carlo Ancelotti once again benched Luka Jovic and Started Gareth Bale as a no. 9. The Welshman had a decent game considering he hasn't played a professional game since mid November. Geronimo Rulli had the game of his life between the sticks as he made 5 saves in the game including a few crucial one on ones. He came off his line in the dying minutes off the game to put off Luka Jovic as the Serbian could only manage to hit the crossbar. Real Madrid are now only 4 points ahead of 2nd placed Sevilla which is a worrying sign for them.
Atletico Madrid played a thriller at home against Getafe as the game ended 4-3. The game got off to a thrilling start as Luis Suarez won and missed a penalty in the 9th minute. Angel Correa and Matheus Cunha gave Atleti a 2 goal lead before the 27th minute itself but then Getafe decided to wake up and how Real Madrid loanee Borja Mayoral pulled a goal back 3 minutes after Atletico's 2nd and before the 42nd Getafe won two penalties as both were scored Enes Unal. Just before the end of halftime Angel Correa scored his 2nd as the 6 goal thriller first half ended all square. Felipe got himself sent off after a reckless challenge in the 50th minute and the rest of the half was very compact. It looked like the points would be shared at the Wanda Metropolitano but Mario Hermoso scored in the 89th minute to give Atleti the lead as they secured 3 massive points and now are level with Barcelona.
Barcelona played a thrilling game of their own as they drew 2-2 against Espanyol. Barcelona looked to be cruising after Pedri scored in only the 2nd minute of the game. Things went south when Sergi Darder equalised 5 minutes before half time. Barcelona looked to have scored but Gavi's goal was chopped off by VAR for offside. Raul de Tomas gave Espanyol the lead in the 64th minute. In injury time, Nico Ribaudo and Gerard Pique got into a scuffle and got sent off leaving both teams down to 10 men. Substitute Luuk de Jong scored in the very last minute of added time to level things up as Barcelona just about managed to keep their place in the top 4.
Also read: Can Real Madrid handle PSG in the UCL RO16 without Karim Benzema?
