Barcelona on brink of La Liga triumph, Atletico build confidence
GETAFE, Spain: Fermin Lopez and Marcus Rashford’s goals took Barcelona to the brink of the La Liga title with a 2-0 win at Getafe on Saturday. Later on Atletico Madrid edged Athletic Bilbao 3-2 to build confidence before their Champions League semifinal battle with Arsenal. Defending Spanish champions Barca moved 11 points clear of second place Real Madrid, who drew at Real Betis on Friday to dent their hopes of finishing the season with a trophy. Hansi Flick’s side can win their second consecutive Spanish title if they overcome Osasuna next weekend and Real Madrid fail to beat Espanyol. “It’s not done, we have five more games and we’re only focused on the next one,” Flick told reporters. “We will celebrate when it’s time, but not now.” Barcelona were without vital injured wingers Lamine Yamal and Raphinha but still did enough to see off Jose Bordalas’s tricky side, sixth, in the Madrid suburbs. “We know we’ve got a big advantage (in the title race) but even so, we can’t relax, I know it’s a cliche but it’s the truth,” said Lopez. Getafe set out to disrupt Barcelona’s rhythm with small fouls and Barca struggled to create many clear opportunities. They made the breakthrough just before half-time when Pedri played in Lopez, who slotted home. The midfielder imitated Yamal’s usual “304” celebration in tribute to the injured teenage star. “The truth is he’s really important for us, it’s a shame that he can’t play any more, but the important thing is that he recovers well and is ready for the World Cup,” added Lopez. With Getafe needing to come out of their shell to find an equalizer, Barca had more opportunities after the break. Martin Satriano threatened for the hosts before Rashford, on loan from Manchester United, secured
