SPAIN: Real Valladolid improved their chances of survival in La Liga with a 3-1 victory over Barcelona, moving them three points out of the relegation zone. Andreas Christensen gave Valladolid the boot in the second minute, and Cyle Larin scored the second and third goals on the break.
Robert Lewandowski scored for the Catalans in the dying minutes, and Raphinha posted a message on Instagram to show his support for Vinicius Junior. On Sunday, Valencia supporters harassed Vinicius racially at their Mestalla stadium.
“I didn’t know he was going to do it, but I think it’s a good message because racism has to end,” said Barcelona player Frenkie de Jong to DAZN after Raphinha removed his shirt to convey the message after being replaced.
Players from both teams held up a banner reading “Racists out of football” prior to the game. Young playmaker Pablo Torre made his debut La Liga start for Barcelona and put up a strong effort, but his squad was sluggish and suffered a second straight loss. This was part of a joint initiative by La Liga and the Spanish football federation.
Xavi said Pablo had a good game and linked up well with Robert. With two games left, goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen needs one more clean sheet to tie the La Liga record of 26. In the first half, the team played poorly and allowed two goals due to their own errors. This has led to a decline in focus, Xavi said.
Real Sociedad gained entry into the Champions League for the following season by defeating Almeria 1-0 with 10 men on the pitch. Takefusa Kubo’s first-half goal gave Villarreal an eight-point lead, while Luis Suarez was sent out for a violent tackle on Robin Le Normand. Villarreal are currently in fourth place.
In first-half stoppage time, Japanese winger Kubo scored with a stunning curling shot. Late in the game, Alexander Sorloth had a chance to double the lead for La Real but missed wide. Ander Barrenetxea made a successful post. Real Sociedad can earn a spot in Europe’s top league if Villarreal loses all three of their remaining games or if they collect two more points.
Also Read: Champions of La Liga Barcelona Shockingly Defeated 1-2 by Real Sociedad
