MADRID, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) -- Atletico Madrid claimed a late point in the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, Girona dropped two points, and Barca enjoyed a relatively comfortable win against Alaves. Here are some things we learned in Spain's Matchday 23 this weekend.
1. Atletico leaves it late but keeps title race open
Marcos Llorente's late header against his club was a reward for Atletico Madrid hanging in at times away to Real Madrid on Sunday night, but eventually pushing back a team playing with Dani Carvajal as a makeshift defender.
A win for Real Madrid would have taken them four points clear of second place Girona, who visits the Bernabeu next weekend, and that have been a major step to Carlo Ancelotti's side all-but assuring the title before the end of the month.
The fact Real Madrid dropped two points just before the return of European football means the title race will remain open for a bit longer and that is probably good to keep interest in La Liga.
2. Girona feels the pace but not helped by refereeing decisions
Girona was hit by a late injury to striker Artem Dovbyk ahead of their 0-0 draw at home to Real Sociedad on Saturday and at times they missed his power and mobility against their Basque rivals, who also looked to break up the play with a continued series of niggling fouls (14 in the first 45 minutes).
As well as referee Gil Manzano tolerating their rivals' destructive tactics, Girona was also angered at the VAR ruling out a first half goal for an offside which happened 44 seconds before the ball went into the net, with the ball passed back several times before Yangel Herrera's header.
Manzano sent off coach Michel for making a technical observation in the closing minutes and late bookings for Herrera and Daley Blind, which mean all three will be suspended for next week's visit to Madrid.
3. Barca rides their luck by Gundogan and Pedri make the difference
Barca can count themselves to be lucky to have taken a 2-0 lead away to Alaves who had enough chances in the first 45 minutes of their meeting in Vitoria to have been at least level at the break.
However, the creativity of Ilkay Gundogan and Pedri were key factors in Barca claiming a win that sees them move eight points behind Real Madrid.
Gundogan has looked frustrated at times in his debut season with Barca, but Pedri gives him a creative outlet, with the young midfielder's return to fitness vital in his side's recovery.
The big doubt for Barca coach Xavi Hernandez is whether Pedri, who has a long history of muscle injuries, can stay fit in an intense period of matches.
4. A good day for Celta as relegation rivals all slip up again
Although 17th placed Sevilla doesn't play until Monday night, whatever, their result, it was a good weekend for Celta who returned to winning ways with a 3-0 win away to Osasuna to lift some pressure off Rafa Benitez.
The veteran coach's conservative instincts have started to frustrate supporters, and defeat in Pamplona could have seen him lose his job, but well-worked goals in the 24th and 25th minutes gave Celta a perfect platform for just their fourth win of the season.
With Cadiz drawing in Villarreal to extend their winless run to 19 games, Granada held at home to Las Palmas and Almeria lost again, none of the bottom three were able to win for yet another weekend, allowing Celta a breathing space ahead of next week's difficult visit to Getafe. ■
微信扫描下方的二维码阅读本文
