Real Madrid Confirm Thibaut Courtois, Marcelo Injuries Before Manchester City
Mar 10, 2020
MADRID, SPAIN - MARCH 01: Thibaut Courtois of Real Madrid CF in action during the Liga match between Real Madrid CF and FC Barcelona at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on March 01, 2020 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Diego Souto/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)
Real Madrid have been dealt a double injury blow ahead of next week's UEFA Champions League last-16 second leg against Manchester City after they confirmed fitness problems for both Thibaut Courtois and Marcelo.
Per Real's official website, Courtois has suffered an injury to his left adductor muscle, and Marcelo has been diagnosed with a left hamstring issue.
For next Tuesday's visit to the Etihad Stadium, with Real trailing 2-1 to City, Ferland Mendy and Alphonse Areola would be the likely replacements, according to journalist Dermot Corrigan:
Courtois adductor muscle injury confirmed - Areola to play second leg at City next week https://t.co/NNI3Imn5zf
Marcelo and Courtois will be big losses for Real, particularly for the City game, as they both have experience of playing in high-profile European matches.
Los Blancos will need to put in one of their best performances of the season in Manchester if they are to turn the tie around and advance to the quarter-finals, and that will be a much tougher task without two of their key defensive players.
Before the second leg against the Sky Blues, Real host Eibar in La Liga on Friday.
Zinedine Zidane's side have won just one of their last four games in the Spanish top flight. Fortunately for the Madrid giants, that came against Barcelona in El Clasico, but Real still trail their rivals in the title race:
Zidane will now have to manage his squad astutely to ensure they can both bounce back against Eibar and get a positive result against City, otherwise their season could collapse in the space of a week.
That is a more challenging proposition without Courtois and Marcelo to call upon, but Areola and Mendy are both adequate back-ups.
Achraf Hakimi Says He'll Return to Real Madrid This Summer If They Want Him
Mar 10, 2020
MOENCHENGLADBACH, GERMANY - MARCH 07: (BILD ZEITUNG OUT) Achraf Hakimi of Borussia Dortmund celebrates after scoring his team's second goal during the Bundesliga match between Borussia Moenchengladbach and Borussia Dortmund at Borussia-Park on March 7, 2020 in Moenchengladbach, Germany. (Photo by Alex Gottschalk/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)
Borussia Dortmund's Achraf Hakimi said he'll return to Real Madrid when his loan spell ends this summer if the Spanish side want him.
The Morocco international is coming to the end of a two-year loan with the German side at the conclusion of the season.
"Real Madrid are the club I call home. I've really enjoyed myself there and played lots of games there.
"If Madrid want me to go back, I'll go back. And if not, I'll have to write the next chapter at another great club."
He also revealed his admiration for Real boss Zinedine Zidane:
"Zidane is the man who gave me my chance and the confidence to be able to play professional football.
"I'm grateful to him for his faith in me and the way he has treated me. I'll always be grateful to him."
Hakimi came through the ranks at the Santiago Bernabeu as a youngster. He has made 17 first-team appearances for Los Blancos, which came under the Frenchman in the 2017-18 season before his loan move to Dortmund.
The 21-year-old said joining the Bundesliga club was "the best decision I could have made" because the regular first-team football has helped him develop his game.
He made 28 appearances for BVB last season and likely would have made more if not for suffering a broken metatarsal that kept him out of action in April and May.
This season, he's become an even more important player for Dortmund with 36 games under his belt.
The wing-back scored on Saturday to help his side record a 2-1 win at Borussia Monchengladbach (U.S. only):
In all competitions, he has racked up seven goals and 10 assists.
Given his age, Hakimi likely hasn't reached his ceiling yet and could get even better.
He's helping Dortmund compete near the top of the Bundesliga—they're second, four points back on Bayern Munich—and in the UEFA Champions League, so he could be ready to do the same for Real in La Liga.
Unseating Dani Carvajal at the Santiago Bernabeu would be no mean feat, but Hakimi can also operate further forward on the right flank or provide cover on the left if necessary, so he'd be a useful presence in the squad.
Should Real opt to sell him—perhaps to raise funds for a marquee signing—the calibre of his Dortmund performances will have significantly increased his value and should also mean there will be no shortage of suitors.
Gerard Pique, Luuk de Jong and La Liga Team of the Week After Matchday 27
Mar 9, 2020
BARCELONA, SPAIN - MARCH 07: Gerard Pique of FC Barcelona with the ball during the Liga match between FC Barcelona and Real Sociedad at Camp Nou on March 07, 2020 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Pedro Salado/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)
Barcelona reclaimed top spot in the 2019-20 La Liga table during Matchday 27 after they beat Real Sociedad 1-0 thanks to a Lionel Messi penalty.
Real Madrid dropped down to second following their 2-1 loss to Real Betis.
The competition for the final two UEFA Champions League spots remains incredibly tight, meanwhile, particularly after Atletico Madrid and Sevilla shared the spoils in a 2-2 draw.
Here are the full results from the weekend's action, along with the updated standings:
Roger Marti was the goalscorer for Levante in their 1-1 draw with Granada on Sunday, but goalkeeper Fernandez was largely responsible for his side holding on for a point.
A magnificent double save in the first half was followed by numerous stops after the break that helped the hosts keep the score at 1-1 after Darwin Machis' 60th-minute equaliser.
DEF: Gerard Pique, Barcelona
Barca's performance against Real Sociedad was far from convincing, but the three points were all that mattered.
Pique was instrumental in keeping the likes of Alexander Isak and Martin Odegaard quiet as he won six aerial duels, made six clearances, an interception and blocked two shots, all while completing 63 passes.
DEF: Sidnei, Real Betis
For Betis' opening goal on Sunday, Sidnei pounced when others were distracted by Nabil Fekir's penalty appeals and rifled home a finish any striker would have been proud of.
As well as that key contribution to the hosts' shock win, the Brazilian also had more touches (70) than any other Betis player, made five clearances and four interceptions.
DEF: Nestor Araujo, Celta Vigo
Getafe have been flying high this season, while Celta are far from safe from relegation, so taking a point from their visit to the Coliseum Alfonso Perez was a good result for the Celestes.
Araujo was superb in defence, making eight clearances, four interceptions, two tackles and a block during the 90 minutes.
DEF: David Garcia, Osasuna
When it came to dominance in the air, Garcia was unmatched in La Liga across the weekend, as he won 11 aerial duels in Osasuna's 1-0 win over Espanyol.
He also made five clearances and two tackles as the hosts kept their third clean sheet in five matches at the Estadio El Sadar.
MID: Unai Lopez, Athletic Bilbao
Lopez got the ball rolling in Athletic's comfortable 4-1 win over Real Valladolid with a superb free-kick inside four minutes:
Gol de Athletic Club de Bilbao!! Unai Lopez GOLAZO from a direct free kick puts them 1-0 up at Valladolid after four minutes!
— The Spanish Football Podcast (@tsf_podcast) March 8, 2020
He was also crucial to Athletic's control throughout the match in the middle of the park. He completed nearly 85 percent of his passes, made three interceptions and completed two tackles.
MID: Dani Rodriguez, Mallorca
Mallorca's 2-1 victory over Eibar moved them to within a point of safety, and Rodriguez was vital to the win.
He opened the scoring with a cross-cum-shot just before half-time and was a constant threat going forward.
MID: Dani Parejo, Valencia
Parejo's superb 34th-minute free-kick was the highlight of Valencia's 1-1 draw with Alaves on Friday.
As well as scoring his side's goal, he also had 115 touches of the ball and completed 90 passes, more than anyone else on the pitch.
His eight aerial duels won were also more than any other player on the pitch by some distance.
FWD: Oscar Rodriguez, Leganes
Leganes' hopes of avoiding the drop were boosted on Sunday when they won 2-1 away at Villarreal, their first victory in five matches.
Oscar scored both goals for Leganes to turn the game on its head after Gerard Moreno opened the scoring.
The second came from the penalty spot, but the first was possibly the goal of the weekend, a fierce right-footed strike from the edge of the box that went in off the crossbar:
Óscar Rodríguez with two extremely important goals for Leganes today!
— Football Talent Scout - Jacek Kulig (@FTalentScout) March 8, 2020
FWD: Inigo Cordoba, Athletic Bilbao
Cordoba set up Raul Garcia's 24th-minute goal against Valladolid that made it 2-0 and then put the icing on the cake by scoring Athletic's fourth in stoppage time.
He also played his part defensively, making five tackles in the match, second only to Inigo Lekue's six.
All stats from WhoScored.com unless otherwise stated.
Zinedine Zidane Says He Is to Blame for Real Madrid's 'Worst Game of Season'
Mar 9, 2020
SEVILLE, SPAIN - MARCH 08: Head coach Zinedine Zidane of Real Madrid CF looks on prior to the Liga match between Real Betis Balompie and Real Madrid CF at Estadio Benito Villamarin on March 08, 2020 in Seville, Spain. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)
Zinedine Zidane has said he is to blame for Real Madrid's 2-1 loss against Real Betis on Sunday which saw them lose the initiative to Barcelona in the title race just a week on from beating them in El Clasico.
Real needed to win at the Estadio Benito Villamarin to return to the top of the table after Barca scraped a 1-0 victory over Real Sociedad on Saturday.
Karim Benzema cancelled out Sidnei's opener just before half-time, but Cristian Tello netted the hosts' second eight minutes from time to secure all three points:
Real have now lost three of their last four games in all competitions.
Zidane took full responsibility for the defeat at Betis and pulled no punches in his assessment of his side's performance, per Dejan Kalinic of Goal:
"We didn't get anything today, and I'm to blame for it. I have to look at what happened; we're going to fight the league to the end. I am with my players till the death. I am responsible here. We will analyse what happened and move on.
"We played badly. Many mistakes. We lacked everything, play, possession, aggression, our worst game of season. Didn't deserve to win. We can't be happy. We started badly, and could not correct it. I've no explanation at moment, we just lacked a bit of everything.
"I am to blame as motivation, This is my responsibility. We didn't generate anything today. We've lacked everything, especially ball possession, we never lose so many balls, that's been our main problem tonight."
Real are in danger of letting the 2019-20 campaign slip away from them if they do not turn their form around quickly.
Friday's clash with Eibar in La Liga is now a must-win fixture in order to put pressure on Barca before their visit to Mallorca on Saturday.
Then Los Blancos have the second leg of their UEFA Champions League last-16 tie against Manchester City.
The Sky Blues won the first leg at the Santiago Bernabeu 2-1, so Real will need to produce one of their best performances of the season at the Etihad Stadium if they are to avoid being eliminated from the Champions League in the first knockout round for the second season running.
In Zidane's first spell in charge of Real between 2016 and 2018, the Madrid giants won three Champions League titles in a row to take their all-time tally to 13.
City have never reached the final in Europe's elite club competition, but in Pep Guardiola they do have a manager who previously won the famous trophy twice in three seasons with Barcelona.
The Champions League is City's top priority this season as they are all but guaranteed to lose their Premier League crown to Liverpool.
La Liga Table 2020: Sunday's Week 27 Results and Updated Standings
Mar 8, 2020
SEVILLE, SPAIN - MARCH 08: Karim Benzema of Real Madrid CF shows his dejection during the Liga match between Real Betis Balompie and Real Madrid CF at Estadio Benito Villamarin on March 08, 2020 in Seville, Spain. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)
Real Madrid failed to reclaim top spot in La Liga after slipping to a 2-1 defeat away to Real Betis on Sunday. Ironically, it was former Barcelona player Cristian Tello who scored the winner, with his 82nd-minute goal keeping his old club in first place.
Earlier, Athletic Bilbao kept themselves in the mix to be playing in a European tournament next season thanks to an emphatic 4-1 win away to Real Valladolid. Inaki Williams was among the goalscorers, while Raul Garcia also got on the scoresheet.
While Athletic are trending upwards, Espanyol seem consigned to be playing in Spanish football's second tier next term. Losing 1-0 in Osasuna leaves Abelardo's squad six points shy of safety.
Unlike Espanyol, Leganes took a step toward safety by earning a terrific win away to Villarreal. Meanwhile, Levante's 1-1 draw in Granada helped keep both teams secure in and around mid-table.
Real were in trouble once Sidnei rifled a shot into the top corner five minutes before the break. Betis were purring in attack, and it took a fine save from Thibaut Courtois to foil Nabil Fekir and deny the hosts a second:
Instead of Betis doubling the tally, it was Real who drew level against the run of play in first-half stoppage time. Karim Benzema struck from the penalty spot for his 14th league goal of the campaign after Sidnei tripped Marcelo in the area.
Benzema undid his good work late on when his pass went to Andres Guardado, who teed up Tello for the winner. Betis merited the points thanks to their pace and craft going forward, while Real were made to look plodding in key areas of the pitch.
It was a different story in Valladolid, where Unai Lopez got things started for Athletic after just four minutes. The classy midfielder has been developing into a useful creative outlet for Gaizka Garitano's squad.
Garcia was the next to find the net, with the former Atletico Madrid man enjoying a productive campaign:
9 - Athletic's Raúl García has scored nine goals in 25 apperances in LaLiga 2019/20, as many as in the previous season (nine goals in 33 games played). Superlative. pic.twitter.com/uhaFn0vSko
Sandro Ramirez hit back for Valladolid, but any hopes of a comeback from the hosts were extinguished when Williams and Inigo Cordoba both scored late on.
Athletic's chances of qualifying for Europe look good after Villarreal were stunned on home soil. The Yellow Submarine was in front after just five minutes thanks to Gerard Moreno, but two goals from Oscar Rodriguez swung the game in Leganes' favour.
On loan from Real Madrid, Rodriguez completed his brace when he converted from the penalty spot after Pau Torres felled Roger Assale in the box. Leganes held on to confirm a much-needed three points and a welcome show of squad unity and unbroken determination to beat the drop, even after star forward Martin Braithwaite secured a controversial move to Barcelona.
Espanyol couldn't come close to matching Leganes' brilliant result, with the efforts of Abelardo's players undermined once Victor Sanchez handled in the box in the 51st minute. Roberto Torres stepped up confidently and didn't waste his opportunity from 12 yards.
Having Diego Lopez sent off seven minutes from time for a second bookable offence only added to Espanyol's growing misery.
Things are little sunnier for Levante after the Valencia-based club earned a useful point on home soil against Granada. Roger Marti put the visitors in front after 11 minutes to continue his solid campaign in front of goal:
🇪🇸 Lucas Perez – 11 goals 🇪🇸 ROGER MARTI – 11 goals
Darwin Machis equalised for the visitors on the hour mark to keep Granada comfortably ensconced in the top 10.
La Liga Winners and Losers After Final 2020 Week 27 Table
Mar 8, 2020
BARCELONA, SPAIN - MARCH 07: FC Barcelona players celebrate their opening goal scored by Lionel Messi during the Liga match between FC Barcelona and Real Sociedad at Camp Nou on March 07, 2020 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
Barcelona returned to the top of the table in Spain in Week 27 with a 1-0 victory over Real Sociedad at the Camp Nou on Saturday.
Captain Lionel Messi scored the only goal of the game from the penalty spot to send the defending champions two points clear of Real Madrid.
Zinedine Zidane's side missed the chance to leapfrog their rivals once again on Sunday, going down 2-1 to Real Betis at the Benito Villamarin Stadium.
Atletico Madrid's attack has struggled in La Liga this season, scoring just 31 goals in 27 games, but showed signs of life in the 2-2 draw against Sevilla.
Striker Alvaro Morata ended a lengthy goal drought by making it 1-1 from the penalty spot at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium after Luuk de Jong had opened the scoring:
8 games and 596 minutes without a goal for Morata - last strike was v Barca in Supercopa in early Jan. 11 goals in total all season - 7 of which came in purple patch of 7 games in Oct/Nov.
The goals should boost both attackers' confidence ahead of their crucial UEFA Champions League last-16 second leg against Liverpool at Anfield on Wednesday.
Loser: Real Madrid's title bid
Real Madrid beat Barcelona 2-0 last time out to leapfrog their rivals and move top of the table but saw their title hopes suffer a big blow on Sunday in a 2-1 defeat at Betis.
Goals from Sidnei and former Barcelona winger Cristian Tello secured a deserved three points for the hosts and sees Los Blancos slip two points off the top.
Football writer Dermot Corrigan highlighted Real Madrid's poor form:
Madrid won just one of their last five games - against Barca in Clasico. Lost to Levante, Man City and Betis. Drew at home to Celta.
Real Betis could have scored more goals in a frantic game. Joaquin spurned a good chance, Andres Guardado volleyed a brilliant effort over the bar and Betis also had a penalty claim when Sergio Ramos tangled with Loren Moron.
The result means it's advantage Barcelona once again in the title race, although with 11 games still left to play there are likely to be more twists and turns between now and the end of the season.
Winner: Oscar Rodriguez
Real Madrid loanee Oscar Rodriguez is enjoying a strong season at struggling Leganes and secured the club's first away win of the season with two goals in a victory at Villarreal.
The visitors had to come from behind to take all three points. Rodriguez struck the equaliser early in the second half with an emphatic half-volley (UK video only):
Javier Aguirre's side are now just three points behind Celta Vigo in 17th place and host Real Valladolid next before taking a trip to the Camp Nou to play Barcelona.
Loser: Espanyol's survival hopes
Espanyol's miserable season took another turn for the worse on Sunday with a dismal 1-0 defeat at Osasuna that leaves Abelardo's men five points adrift at the bottom.
Roberto Torres scored the only goal of the game from the penalty spot, while Espanyol finished the match with 10 men after goalkeeper Diego Lopez was sent off late on for handling outside the box.
Sportswriter Andy West offered his view on Espanyol:
Pathetic performance from Espanyol today. Osasuna had lost four out of five and were vulnerable, but Espanyol never really put them under pressure. Excessively cautious, totally lacking creativity, constant needless errors. Very poor and in huge trouble now.
Manager Abelardo told reporters after the match that survival "is more and more difficult," and Espanyol are going to need to come up with something extraordinary if they are to beat the drop now.
Karim Benzema, Real Madrid Shocked by Real Betis in La Liga Defeat
Mar 8, 2020
SEVILLE, SPAIN - MARCH 08: Loren of Real Betis Balompie competes for the ball with Casemiro of Real Madrid CF during the Liga match between Real Betis Balompie and Real Madrid CF at Estadio Benito Villamarin on March 08, 2020 in Seville, Spain. (Photo by Silvestre Szpylma/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)
Real Madrid's La Liga title chances took a massive blow on Sunday, with Los Blancos slumping to a 2-1 defeat away to Real Betis.
The hosts dominated the contest and took the lead via Sidnei, but Karim Benzema converted a penalty shortly before half-time to tie things up. The pattern of play continued after the break, and former Barcelona man Cristian Tello deservedly restored the lead inside the final 10 minutes.
Los Blancos started the weekend in the lead, but Barcelona's narrow win over Real Sociedad on Saturday saw them move two points ahead of their rivals.
The visitors may have started the match as title contenders, but RealBetiswere by far the better team in the first half, pressing forward and putting together several good chances.NabilFekirwas at the heart of most of their attacking moves, while Loren Moron was a constant menace.
The striker was trouble for both friend and foe, putting his boot into a team-mate at one point:
ViniciusJr. fired an early chance wide for LosBlancos, and MarcBartrasomehow failed to hand his side the lead, missing the target completely with an unmarked header.
ThibautCourtoisshowed all of his talent with a wonder save to denyFekir, but with five minutes left to play, the Belgian was beaten. Sergio Ramos brought downFekir, and just as everyone anticipated a whistle for a penalty,Sidneiblasted the ball home.
The defender's celebrations were short-lived, however. After a half spent mostly on the back foot, LosBlancosfinally ventured forward, resulting in a silly challenge fromSidneion Marcelo. The official pointed to the spot, andBenzemaconverted.
It was his team's first effort on target of the half:
1-1 Benzema equalises from spot in first half added time, with Madrid's first shot on target of the game.
Despite the setback,Betiscame out for the second half with the same mindset, attacking LosBlancosearly and often.
It led to a massive chance after 10 minutes, with Joaquin roundingCourtoisbefore opting not to shoot himself:
HOW HAVE BETIS NOT SCORED?!? Joaquín did EVERYTHING right, went round Courtois and then looked for the pass instead of shooting!! Wow.
— The Spanish Football Podcast (@tsf_podcast) March 8, 2020
LosBlancosbarely got out of their own half, andZinedineZidanesoon decided to shake things up, taking off ToniKroosfor an extra forward in MarianoDiaz. The tactical change worked almost immediately, with Joel Robles making a great save beforeFerlandMendy hit the cross bar on the follow-up.
Diaz's introduction shook things up for the hosts, who struggled to deal with the renewed energy and suddenly had to defend far more.
They still threatened, however, and AndresGuardadocame agonisingly close to restoring the lead with a volley that flew wide by inches.
A mistake between Ramos andBenzemaeventually gave the lead back to theAndalusians, with the ball ending up in the feet ofGuardadoafter a poor pass. He played inTello, who calmly converted the one-on-one.
Benzema pass to Ramos a bit short, and suddenly Madrid have nobody at home at all. Pass was excellent from [?] and Tello kept his cool impressively to finish.
With time running out, Madrid suddenly woke up and started to attack with intensity. Robles had a hard time controlling his box against the many players LosBlancosthrew forward, and Lucas Vazquez found plenty of success out wide, firing in cross after cross.
TheAndalusiansheld on, however, booking their biggest win of the season and greatly damaging Real's title bid in the process.
What's Next?
Madrid will host Eibar on Friday. Betis face local rivals Sevilla in the derby on Sunday.
Real Madrid Castilla Criticised by Opponents After Playing Big-Money Signings
Mar 8, 2020
MADRID, SPAIN - FEBRUARY 18: Reinier Jesus of Real Madrid juggles with the ball after being unveiled at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on February 18, 2020 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Mateo Villalba/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)
Segunda Division B club Coruxo have hit out at Real Madrid's reserve team, Castilla, over Los Blancos' use of their big-money signings on a regular basis.
Per AS, Coruxo took to Twitter after Reinier, who cost Real €30 million in January, scored a brace in a 4-0 win on Saturday.
Responding to a highlight package of the youngster, they said: "All [the rest] of the 80 clubs in our division [of four, 20-team groups] don't have that much money between us. And let's not forget that two weeks ago, Rodrygo, who cost 54 million [sic], got Castilla out of a tight spot late on against the bottom team in the table."
BRUGGE, BELGIUM - DECEMBER 11: Vinicius Jr and Rodrygo of Real Madrid celebrate a goal during the UEFA Champions League group A match between Club Brugge KV and Real Madrid at Jan Breydel Stadium on December 11, 2019 in Brugge, Belgium. (Photo by Quality
The Segunda Division B is the third level of Spanish domestic football, after La Liga and the Segunda Division. It's made up of a mix of small clubs and reserve teams across four groups. Castilla currently sit outside of the play-off spots in Group 1, in seventh place.
Coruxo are fifth, so there were plenty of promotion hopes riding on Saturday's clash. Los Blancos shared the full match replay on YouTube:
Real frequently use their reserve team to play their high-profile signings from South America, giving them the chance to adapt to their new surroundings away from the bright lights of the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu.
Rodrygo, a €40 million signing, helped the team to a win over San Sebastian de los Reyes two weeks ago, and €45 million Vinicius Jr. has also played plenty of minutes for the side.
Martin Odegaard and Federico Valverde also took their first senior steps with the team. The former is now starring on loan at Real Sociedad, while the latter is in the midst of a breakout campaign with Los Blancos.
Real's hopes for Reinier are just as high, and the Brazilian has made a bright start for Castilla:
— Football Talent Scout - Jacek Kulig (@FTalentScout) March 7, 2020
Per AS, the 18-year-old will spend the rest of the season with Castilla, and his great form is bad news for the rest of the division. Rodrygo has also mostly featured for the reserves and seems likely to see out the 2019-20 campaign in the Segunda Division B.
Jordi Alba on Camp Nou Whistles for Barcelona Players: 'I Don't Like It'
Mar 8, 2020
BARCELONA, SPAIN - MARCH 07: Jordi Alba of FC Barcelona with the ball during the Liga match between FC Barcelona and Real Sociedad at Camp Nou on March 07, 2020 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Pedro Salado/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)
Jordi Alba has hit back at the supporters who booed Barcelona players during Saturday's 1-0 win over Real Sociedad in La Liga.
The Camp Nou crowd started to jeer its own players early in the contest, with Barcelona struggling to make inroads against La Real. Eventually, the team emerged victorious, with Lionel Messi converting a late penalty to take them back to the summit of the table.
Speaking after the game, Alba was candid in revealing his frustration with the Blaugrana supporters and the manner in which they made their displeasure known, per Samuel Marsden of ESPN FC:
"No one likes to play poorly or how we're playing at the moment, but I don't like it when in the 15th minute with the score goalless there are whistles.
"No one likes it when the fans go against you, especially in your own stadium. Our attitude is good and all the players are giving everything out on the pitch. I'm not going to hide. Just as I respect everyone, they also have to respect me.
"I respect Barca fans a lot. Even falling [early] in the Champions League [in recent seasons], they have stuck with the team. It's not easy when things are not coming off, but we have to live with that at the end of the day. We know that if we're not at our best, it's going to be hard. We have to be strong mentally to turn the situation around."
Here are the highlights from the game, as Barcelona did just enough to get past an impressive opponent:
As Marsden noted via Twitter, there were also some chants aimed towards club president Josep Maria Bartomeu:
Chants for Bartomeu to resign again as the match gets underway but nothing too ferocious. A smattering of white hankies, too.
Alba thought he had doubled his side's advantage late in the game, and he celebrated by putting his fingers in his ears. However, his goal was ruled out for offside after a VAR review.
Barcelona's supporters were clearly unhappy with the performance on Saturday, although the previous game likely exacerbated that irritation. The Blaugrana were knocked off the top of the table by their great rivals, Real Madrid, limping to a 2-0 loss at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The win over Sociedad represented a step in the right direction, although Spanish football journalist Andy West wasn't impressed with the display:
Deeply unimpressive performance from Barça. Got out of jail with yet another dodgy penalty exposing the weakness of the handball law. Some refs would give that, others wouldn't.
Per OptaJose, Messi's goal saw him pass a landmark:
438 - @FCBarcelona's Lionel Messi has become the all-time top-scorer in the top five European leagues (438 goals in 474 appearances), surpassing Cristiano Ronaldo (437 in 540). Battle. pic.twitter.com/konZO1J8Pr
Despite the upheaval and general frustration that has lingered around the Camp Nou this season, Barcelona remain in contention for both La Liga and the UEFA Champions League. They will be watching on keenly when Real Madrid travel to Seville to take on Real Betis on Sunday.
Regardless, the team is clearly not functioning as well as it should be given the quality of the squad. With that in mind, it's no surprise that supporters are anxious to see more.
La Liga Results 2020 Week 27: Final Scores and Updated Table After Saturday
Mar 7, 2020
BARCELONA, SPAIN - MARCH 07: Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona competes for the ball with Robin Le Normand of Real Sociedad during the Liga match between FC Barcelona and Real Sociedad at Camp Nou on March 07, 2020 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Pedro Salado/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)
Barcelona were the big winners of Saturday's Week 27 La Liga action, putting pressure on Real Madrid with a narrow and controversial win over Real Sociedad.
Lionel Messi converted a penalty late for the only goal of the contest, but the VAR once again stole the headlines.
Elsewhere, Atletico Madrid and Sevilla split the points, while Getafe slumped to a draw against Celta Vigo. Mallorca bagged three big points in the battle against relegation, beating Eibar away from home.
Messi scored the only goal at the Camp Nou, converting a penalty to move past Cristiano Ronaldo in the all-time top scorers' list in Europe's top competitions:
438 - @FCBarcelona's Lionel Messi has become the all-time top-scorer in the top five European leagues (438 goals in 474 appearances), surpassing Cristiano Ronaldo (437 in 540). Battle. pic.twitter.com/konZO1J8Pr
The goal did not come without a healthy dose of controversy, however. The VAR was used to hand the penalty to the hosts for a marginal handball call on Robin Le Normand, who had his arm in line with his body. It was also awarded after La Real had already surged up the pitch on the counter, nearly scoring themselves.
On top of that, Arturo Vidal appeared to be in an offside position leading up to the handball. Roy Nemer thought it was a very harsh decision:
That was a very harsh penalty on Sociedad. It really was.
To make matters worse, Messi arguably should already have been sent off. He was booked in the first half and got away with a stamp on Diego Llorente.
The Catalans won't care about the manner in which they won, however. They move ahead of Real in the title race for now, with Los Blancos in action on Sunday against Real Betis.
The loss hurt Sociedad's top-four chances, but fortunately for the Txuri Urdin, the rest of the contenders also dropped points. Atletico and Sevilla combined for a spectacular first half in an eventual 2-2 draw:
HT Atletico Madrid 2-2 Sevilla one of the craziest halves of football of the season so far. Partidazo!!
— The Spanish Football Podcast (@tsf_podcast) March 7, 2020
Luuk de Jong got the opener before a quick double from Alvaro Morata and Joao Felix. Lucas Ocampos also got in on the fun from the penalty spot.
Getafe were also unable to take advantage of Sociedad's loss, dropping points at home against Celta Vigo. Known for their rugged defence and ability to frustrate their opponents, the visitors turned the table on them on Saturday:
FT: Getafe🔵 0-0 Celta Vigo💎
Despite dominating possession and chances Getafe can't find a way through❌
Getafe lost Arambarri to a 2nd yellow but it made no difference.
Getafe stay 4th, 1 point ahead of Atleti, while Celta Vigo move 1 point clear of relegation.#LLL 🧡🇪🇸⚽️ pic.twitter.com/5bn0C2S6Jn
— La Liga Lowdown 🧡🇪🇸⚽️ (@LaLigaLowdown) March 7, 2020
Takefusa Kubo was on point for Mallorca, scoring the goal that would eventually win the team the match. The result means they sit just one point behind Vigo and two behind Eibar in the race for survival.
