Pedri secures win at Villarreal to keep Barcelona on track for LaLiga title

13.02.2023 - 18:02 breakingnews.ie

Barcelona took advantage of Real Madrid’s absence this weekend to move 11 points clear atop LaLiga as Pedri’s first-half strike secured a 1-0 win at Villarreal.

A one-two with Robert Lewandowski allowed Pedri to slip beyond the Villarreal defence and finish beyond former Barcelona goalkeeper Pepe Reina in the 18th minute, and there was no way back for the hosts.

Real have been in action in the Club World Cup this week, beating Al-Hilal 5-3 in Saturday’s final, but Los Blancos can eat into a sizeable deficit when they take on rock-bottom Elche on Wednesday.

Great, Lovely, and Perfect pic.twitter.com/CJEAlgNYr0 — FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) February 12, 2023 Memphis Depay grabbed his first goal since swapping Barcelona for Atletico Madrid in last month’s transfer window, swivelling and dragging beyond Celta Vigo goalkeeper Ivan Villar in the 89th minute.

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MADRID: A tenacious Barcelona frustrated Real Madrid to secure a 1-0 win over their bitter rivals in an ill-tempered Copa del Rey semi-final first leg on Thursday.

Watch: Real Madrid vs Barcelona Turns Into Wrestling Match As Vinicius Jr Floors Frekie De Jong

Missing several players, including star striker Robert Lewandowski, due to injuries, La Liga leaders Barcelona edged out Real Madrid in the Copa Del Rey semi-final first leg clash at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on Friday. Despite dominating the possession, Real Madrid fail to register a shot on target as Barcelona managed to take a 1-0 lead to the second leg at Camp Nou. Eder Militao's own goal proved decisive as Madrid wasted several opportunities to equalise, and possibly win the game.

Galvanised Barcelona Host Valencia In La Liga Title Pursuit

A Barcelona side galvanised by a gutsy victory over Real Madrid can take a significant step towards the Spanish title with a win over Valencia on Sunday at Camp Nou. Xavi Hernandez's men earned a 1-0 Copa del Rey semi-final, first-leg win over Los Blancos on Thursday, arresting a worrying dip in form before it spiralled out of control. However, still missing Robert Lewandowski, Ousmane Dembele and Pedri, Barca face a real battle against a Valencia fighting for their lives at the bottom of the table.

Real Madrid 0 Barcelona 1 - Report

Eder Militao's own goal handed a depleted Barcelona a surprise 1-0 away victory over Real Madrid in a stormy Copa del Rey semi-final first leg on Thursday.

Copa Del Rey: Depleted Barcelona Earn Semi-final First Leg Clasico Win

Eder Militao's own goal handed a depleted Barcelona a surprise 1-0 away victory over Real Madrid in a stormy Copa del Rey semi-final first leg on Thursday. The Catalans arrived on the back of two consecutive defeats and without an injured trio of key players -- top scorer Robert Lewandowski, key midfielder Pedri and explosive winger Ousmane Dembele. After their Europa League elimination by Manchester United last week and a first ever loss against La Liga minnows Almeria, Madrid fans smelled blood, but left bitterly frustrated.