Could this be the turning point in the La Liga title race? The league has barely made past the 10 game mark and it would be presumptuous to think that Real Madrid will win the title, however, Barca’s slip up at home on Saturday, gave Los Merengues the opportunity to leap the Catalans into first place in the League thanks to their 4-0 win over Malaga.
Barcelona were held to a barren draw at home by a determined Sevilla side that almost caused a big upset at the Camp Nou last night. The visitors got off the mark very fast and threatened to score early in the game when Emiliano Armenteros attempt with a beautiful half volley shot was scampered just a inches wide of the goal post.
The match however was evenly matched with both teams missing perfect opportunities to take the lead. That said, the biggest disappointment of the night was Barcelona star Lionel Messi’s penalty miss.
The penalty however, proved to be controversial as Sevilla players led by Freddy Kanoute reacted to the referees decision. In the scuffle, Kanoute grabbed Fabregas’s face a act that had him sent off.
It all seemed to be going Barcelona’s way as there were only minutes separating them from another crucial victory. However, their joy turned to despair when Javi Varas saved Messi’s penalty.
That save allowed Sevilla to leave the Camp Nou with a very vital point. One that ensures they keep the pressure up on the leading pack. As bad as the result was for Barcelona, it was welcome news for their arch rivals Real Madrid who romped to a 4-0 win over Malaga.
In what looks to be an amazing run for the top scorer award this season, Portuguese Midfielder Cristiano Ronaldo netted a hat trick for his side to take his tally to 10 goals in 8 matches.
Argentine Gonzalo Higuain opened the scoring in the 11th minute before 2 quick goals from Ronaldo put the game beyond reach for Malaga. Higuain is just one goal shot of both Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.
More and and more people believe that Barcelona could be facing its biggest threat to league honour if Real’s results are anything to go by. Personally, i think its still too early to tell who will be crowned champions, but i think that the title campaign is a 2 horse race between Real and Barcelona and at the moment, Real have the upper hand.
Photo credit © FCB19
