With the Madrid Derby closing this round of La Liga matches on Sunday night there was a chance for the teams just below, and Barcelona further back, to make some ground on leaders Real Madrid.
But the chasing pack’s La Liga 2021 results were a little mixed as it was a good weekend for some and one to forget for others. Sevilla and Real Betis, in second and third places, had vital wins while Barcelona conceded a late equaliser. Real Sociedad were the victims of the rampant Real Betis while Barca’s neighbours Espanyol have climbed too close for comfort.
Sevilla’s challenge is serious…
Los Sevillano’s title chances are slim according to the La Liga 2021 betting odds and they are ranked third behind the two Madrid clubs but they showed incredible staying power last season, staying in the title race unto the last weekend.
A match away to Athletic Bilbao was a good test of Sevilla’s title credentials and they came through, thanks to a superb strike from midfield ace Thomas Delaney. He took a pass from Gonzalo Montiel just outside the penalty area and fired a beauty into the top left corner. Bilbao had more possession and more shots but Sevilla’s powerful centre back pairing of Jules Kounde and Diego Carlos held firm, while their forwards attacked from the flanks.
It was a pragmatic and efficient performance that took Julen Lopetegui’s side up to within five points of leaders Real Madrid, having played the same number of games and, as things stand, they are as big a threat to Los Blancos as anyone.
…but there’s plenty to do for Xavi
Barcelona head coach Xavi made his feelings crystal clear after the Blaugrana’s humiliating exit for the Champions League when they lost 3-0 to FC Bayern, and he insists things are going to get better. Xavi didn’t pull any punches after losing to the Germans saying: “Bayern were better, superior. This is the harsh reality we have to face. I have told players that this is a turning point. Today a new era begins and we have to take Barca where it deserves which is not the Europa League.”
At SBOTOP odds of 1.98 to win away to Osasuna, it was never going to be a walkover for the Catalans but, unfortunately for Xavi, the result didn’t signify a turning point. Barcelona twice led and twice threw their advantage away, eventually drawing 2-2. Nicolas Gonzalez’ 12th-minute opener was cancelled out within two minutes when David Garcia headed home from a Jon Moncayola free-kick. Abdessamad Ezzalzouli restored Barca’s lead shortly after the break, rounding off a fast break and the Catalans looked to be cruising to three welcome points. Ousmane Dembele twice came close to extending their lead, but with just four minutes on the clock an Osasuna corner landed at the feet of Chimy Avila just outside the penalty area and he rifled home the equaliser low into the bottom left corner.
It was frustrating for Xavi and he has work to do before the turning point comes into view.
De Tomas at home in the Primera…
Having fired Espanyol back into the top flight with 23 goals last season, striker Raul De Tomas has continued his form in the Primera Division and has already bagged eight goals against the best defences in the land. He was on target again as Los Periquitos won a seven-goal thriller against Levante on Saturday, while co striker Javi Puado helped himself to a brace.
The result drew Espanyol level with their city neighbours Barcelona until Xavi’s men picked up their point. But to be so close to their illustrious neighbours is a great place to be.
…and Los Verdiblancos are the Real Deal
Real Betis haven’t finished in the top four since 2005, so to start this game in third place was a nice place to be for their fans, but by 8-30pm Spanish time they were delirious having stuffed Real Sociedad 4-0. La Real had slightly more possession and more shots but Los Verdiblancos were much more clinical. Willian Jose, on loan from Sociedad, made two assists while Alex Moreno scored a brace. Juanmi and Nabil Fekir were also on the score sheet as Manuel Pellegrini’s team ran riot.
This is a team packed with talent, Hector Bellerin has added guile and brains to the defence and Sergio Canales is a skilled attacking midfielder. Their well earned three points put them four points clear of Atletico Madrid in fourth and Sociedad in fifth, and Betis have a great chance to land in the top four again after a 16-year wait.
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