Real uses Barcelona error icy cold

Setback for FC Barcelona in the Primera Division title race: The leader loses 2-0 to FC Valencia. Real Madrid took advantage of their rivals’ slip-up and moved to the top of the table.

The team around national goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen and superstar Lionel Messi lost surprisingly 2-0 (0-0) to FC Valencia on Saturday (25th January 2020). Ter Stegen prevented the Catalans from falling behind in the first half when he parried a penalty from Maxi Gomez (12th minute). However, an own goal from Jordi Alba (48th) and a goal from Gomez (77th) decided the match in Valencia’s favour. In the 83rd minute, another goal from Valencia was not given after the video referee’s advice.

Real seize the opportunity

Arch-rival Real Madrid took advantage of the slip-up and took the lead in the standings with a 1-0 (0-0) win at Real Valladolid. At the same time, Nacho advanced to become the match-winner in the 78th minute on the presentation of former world champion Toni Kroos. With 46 points Real are now three points ahead of Barcelona.

Atlético misses big chance

FC Sevilla scored a 2-0 win against FC Granada. The Andalusians thus moved closer to the leading duo, with Sevilla five points behind FC Barcelona and Real Madrid.

Atlético Madrid missed their chance to take advantage of the Barca failure and make up ground on Sunday afternoon. They only managed a disappointing 0-0 draw at home against relegation candidates CD Leganes, although Diego Simeone’s side was unable to take advantage of the fact that guest keeper Cuéllar was sent off in the final phase for playing time out with yellow-red.