Real Madrid has dislodged Barcelona on top of the Spanish La Liga table after recording a hard-fought victory at Real Sociedad.
With Barcelona playing goalless at Sevilla, Real Madrid closed the gap, and both teams are tied on points, but the Galacticos have a superior head to head advantage over Barcelona. Madrid had recorded a goalless draw during their meeting at the Camp Nou while the Whites won the reverse fixture 2-0 at the Bernabeau.
Sergio Ramos gave Real Madrid the lead from the penalty spot after the lively Vinicius Jr was fouled in the box. With the goal, Ramos is now the highest-scoring defender in the history of the league. The lead was doubled for the visitors by Karim Benzema before Mikel Merino’s strike set up a tense finale.
With the win, Madrid has now picked up their third win from three games after football actions resumed in the country after the coronavirus-enforced break. Al, teams, now have eight games left to complete the season. With this result, the title is now in the White’s hand to lose.
Barcelona’s coach, Quique Setien, had said that Real Madrid wouldn’t win their remaining eight La Liga games.
The hos had equalized while the tie was at 1-1 through substitute Adnan Januzaj’s strike from outside the area, but it was ruled out for a Merino offside. Although Merino did not touch the ball, the officials said he was blocking goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois’ view, so interfering with play.
They also expressed their grievance to Madrid’s second goal. Benzema controlled a Federico Valverde cross with his shoulder before slotting home the ball. After a review for a possible handball by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR), the goal stood.
It was a comforting affair for Madrid, not until Merino rifled a shot in via the underside of the crossbar after a cross from substitute Roberto Lope. This led to a tensed finale, and the Les Blancos saw out the tie.
Will Real Madrid win 2019-2020 La Liga?
Barcelona has been winning the top prize with Real Madrid finishing mostly behind them. The last time Madrid lifted the trophy was 2012. With eight games to go, there is a likelihood that they might drop some points, likewise Barcelona.
Real Madrid has 65 points and 36 goals difference with eight games left to play while Barcelona has the same points and 38 goals difference.
Barcelona’s next game will be against Athletic Bilbao on Tuesday, while Real will also welcome Mallorca the next day.
