Barcelona’s run of wins came to an end on Saturday after they were held to a 1-1 draw by Sporting Gijón.
Barral gave Sporting the lead in the first half and then later on, David Villa grabbed the equaliser. Barcelona are still eight points clear at the top of La Liga pending Sunday’s games.
Valencia moved up to third place, at least temporarily, after a 1-2 win at Atlético Madrid. Reyes gave Madrid the lead, but two goals from Joaquín, one at the end of each half, sealed victory for Valencia.
The battle for third and fourth spot between Valencia and Villarreal appears to be the only contest of any interest at the top of La Liga, although it’s a bit academic in some ways as both will qualify for the Champions League.
Unless, of course, Barcelona decide to go on a losing streak. It would, however, have to be a long losing streak as third placed Valencia are fifteen points adrift of the leaders.