Barcelona extend lead over Real Madrid and Real Sociedad

Barcelona’s 3-0 win over Sevilla takes them eight points clear of Real Madrid, who lost again in La Liga on Sunday, this time against Mallorca.

Xavi’s side are now 14 points clear of Real Sociedad, who also lost on Sunday, to Real Valladolid. Their next opponents, Atlético Madrid, are already 17 points adrift.

None of the five clubs behind Barcelona won this weekend. Real Madrid (2nd, 45 points) were beaten 1-0 in Mallorca, Real Sociedad (3rd, 39 points) were stunned at home by Valladolid (0-1), as were Atlético (4th, 35 points) against Getafe (1-1).

Betis (6th, 31 points) lost against Celta (3-4), and Villarreal (5th, 31 points) lost away to Elche (3-1).

Los Blancos will now have to turn their attention to four tournaments until the beginning of March. The first, is the Club World Cup, which means they will not play in La Liga until 15 February when they take on Elche and then they will play Osasuna on the 18th and cross-city rivals Atlético on the 26th. In between, Ancelotti’s side will face Liverpool in the Champions League and Barça in the Copa del Rey.

On 12 February, the Blaugrana will face Villarreal away. Madrid will be in Morocco and will not play until three days later, meaning Xavi’s side could further extend their lead at the top.

Kieran Quaile | GSFN