Vila Real (Spain): Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi fired Barcelona to a 2-0 victory over 10-man Villarreal as the leaders won for the first time in three La Liga games to stay five points clear on Sunday, while Atletico Madrid edged past Real Betis 1-0.
Barca looked set for a third consecutive league draw as they created scant opportunities but they were presented with the advantage of an extra man when Villarreal midfielder Daniel Raba was given a straight red card for a wild, studs-up challenge on Sergio Busquets on the hour mark.
Barca did not take long to cash in and Suarez broke the deadlock in the 72nd minute, rounding goalkeeper Sergio Asenjo to complete a move of quick passes by Messi, Jordi Alba and substitute Paco Alcacer. The visitors stretched their lead 11 minutes later with the help of a haphazard back-pass from Victor Ruiz to Busquets, who played in Messi for his 14th league goal this campaign.
Barca lead the standings on 39 points, five clear of second-placed Valencia and six ahead of Atletico in third, while defending champions Real Madrid are fourth on 31.
Even though Villarreal coach Javi Calleja termed the red card ‘harsh’, Barcelona boss Ernest Valverde said it was ‘fair’ and praised his side for taking advantage. “It looked a strong challenge to me and I think the player (Raba) realised it was an excessive challenge. The player was shocked and didn’t protest,” Valverde said.
Earlier, a goal by Saul Niguez racked up a third straight victory in La Liga for Atletico, who got an unconvincing win at Betis. The Spanish midfielder slid in at the back post to meet a low cross from Sime Vrsaljko to score the only goal of the match in the 30th minute, netting for the second game in a row.
Diego Simeone’s side however were lucky to survive a huge penalty appeal for a shove by Angel Correa on rival forward Cristian Tello shortly before Saul’s goal.
Reuters
