Barcelona’s 2-2 draw against Betis and Real Madrid’s 3-0 victory over Girona have intensified the race for the top spot in LaLiga. With 38 points, the Blaugrana lead, but the Merengues, sitting at 36 points with a game in hand, have a prime opportunity to surpass their eternal rivals.
LaLiga Standings Tighten
The Spanish league table is heating up following Barcelona’s draw with Betis and Real Madrid’s commanding win over Girona. The Blaugrana remain in first place with 38 points, but the Merengues trail closely with 36 and an additional match yet to be played. This positions Real Madrid to potentially leapfrog Barcelona in the near future.
Betis Spoils Barcelona’s Night
At the Estadio Benito Villamarín, Barcelona seemed poised to secure three valuable points in the race for LaLiga supremacy. Robert Lewandowski put the visitors ahead in the 39th minute, but Giovani Lo Celso equalized with a penalty. Later, Ferran Torres restored Barcelona’s lead in the 82nd minute, and just as victory seemed assured, Assane Diago salvaged a point for Betis with a stoppage-time goal in the 90+4th minute, dampening Barcelona’s celebrations.
This result means Barcelona has managed only one win in their last five league matches, adding two draws and two defeats. To retain their position at the top, the Blaugrana must significantly improve in the remainder of the first half of the season.
Real Madrid Dominates Girona
Meanwhile, at Estadio Montilivi, Real Madrid cruised to a 3-0 win. Goals from Jude Bellingham (36’), Arda Güler (55’), and Kylian Mbappé (62’) secured the victory. However, the Merengues faced setbacks with injuries. Both Bellingham and Ferland Mendy left the pitch due to physical discomfort.
Coach Carlo Ancelotti later downplayed concerns over Bellingham, stating the English star would be available for the upcoming Champions League clash against Atalanta. In contrast, Mendy was diagnosed with a muscle injury in his right quadriceps. Although no recovery timeline was specified, such injuries can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on severity.
Images: X (@FCBarcelona) and X (@realmadrid)
