Barcelona Take Huge Step towards Retaining Title

Posted Monday, April 04, 2011 by Supersport.com

FC Barcelona won 1-0 in Villarreal while Real Madrid suffered a 1-0 home defeat against Sporting Gijon on Sunday in Spain's La Liga.

Gerard Pique scored Barca's goal in the second half of their difficult game away to the side that had kicked off the day third in the table.

Barcelona were missing key players including Xavi Hernandez and Leo Messi, who came into the game as a second half substitute, but they still controlled possession and limited Villarreal to a handful of chances.

The win all but assures the Catalans will win the league title for the third successive year as it followed one of the biggest shocks of the season as Sporting Gijon defeated Real Madrid in the Santiago Bernabeu.

Miguel de las Cuevas' 80th minute goal punished Real Madrid without Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, Marcelo or Xabi Alonso and Jose Mourinho's side paid for only reacting in a frantic last 10 minutes of the game in which Sporting goalkeeper Juan Pablo produced a series of fine saves.

Not only did the defeat cause Madrid to drop to eight points behind Barcelona, but it ended the incredible run of coach Jose Mourinho, who had not seen one of his side's lose at home in a league match for nine years and 150 games.

Saturday also saw Valencia return to winning ways on a memorable day for striker Roberto Soldado. Returning to play against his former club, Soldado scored all four goals as Valencia came back from a goal down at halftime to win 4-1.

Getafe have won only one game in 2011 and continue to slide closer to the relegation zone while Valencia move into third place ahead of Villarreal, who they face next weekend.Espanyol's poor second half to the season continued as they were beaten 2-1 at home to Racing Santander on Sunday.

Pablo Osvaldo scored from the penalty spot to put Espanyol ahead, but Racing turned the game around in the second half thanks to goals from Gustavo Costa and Geovani Dos Santos.

Espanyol have now lost eight of 11 games since the midway point in the season.

In contrast to Espanyol's form, Levante continued their impressive run. Christian Stauni netted twice and Ruben Suarez added a third as they beat relegation haunted Malaga 3-1.

Deportivo La Coruna came from behind to claim a vital win at home to Mallorca. Pierre Webo put Mallorca ahead in the first half before Xisco Tejada and Lassad Nouioui turned the result around after the break.

The win pulled Deportivo clear of the danger zone, but was a major blow to Mallorca's European ambitions.

Meanwhile Miroslav Djukic enjoyed a winning debut as Hercules coach to see his side climb off the bottom of the table with a 3-1 win away to Real Sociedad. Royston Drenthe scored twice in the second half as Hercules beat a lackluster Real.

Diego Costa scored a hat-trick as Atletico Madrid won 3-2 away to Osasuna. The home fans were very critical of referee Fernandez Borbalan who sent off Osasuna defender Sergio Fernandez in a very inconsistant display.

Sevilla's improved second half to the season continued with a 3- 1 win over Zaragoza. Diego Perotti opened the scoring for Sevilla and although Jiri Jarosik equalized for Zaragoza, Freddy Kanoute and Alvaro Nergredo both scored penalties to assure the win.

Almeria, who play Athletic Club Bilbao on Monday are now in last place in the league.