Barcelona move another step closer to LaLiga title with victory over Getafe

Barcelona move another step closer to LaLiga title with victory over Getafe

The Catalans increased their lead at the top of LaLiga to 11 points after beating Getafe 2-0 on Saturday, with second-place Real Madrid only managing to draw against Real Betis.

With just five games of the season remaining, Barca are on the brink of securing a second LaLiga title in a row. Real Madrid have to win every single one of their remaining games, while the Catalans need just four points from their remaining fixtures.

It could all be decided within seven days if Barcelona beat Osasuna and Los Blancos do not get a victory over Espanyol next weekend.

The Catalans were stronger than Getafe throughout their encounter at Coliseum Alfonso Perez on Saturday, but the hosts did not make it easy for the title hopefuls.

They disrupted Barca's play with small fouls and niggly challenges throughout the game and tempers nearly bubbled over on a number of occasions.

However, the visitors were able to find a breakthrough on the stroke of half-time when Pedri played a lovely ball in for Fermin Lopez, who finished excellently past David Soria.

Barcelona did have more chances after the break as Getafe opened up a bit in search of an equaliser.

With around 15 minutes left on the clock, Robert Lewandowski set up on-loan Marcus Rashford to double their advantage and secure the win.

Elsewhere in LaLiga, Real Madrid were held to a 1-1 draw by Real Betis at Estadio de la Cartuja, with the hosts probably even edging the game on the day.

While Los Blancos produced more xG at 1.19 to Betis' 1.08, the home side had 19 shots to Real's 12.

Early on, it looked as if it might be an easy game for the visitors, who dominated the opening exchanges and took the lead through Vinicius Junior.

However, as Betis settled into the game, they managed to fight back well and created several chances that had Real Madrid sweating.

Just when it seemed as if Los Blancos would be able to hang on for the win, Hector Bellerin scored four minutes into stoppage time to secure a well-deserved point for Real Betis.

Athletico Madrid all but secured their place in next season's Champions League with a 3-2 win over Athletic Club at Riyadh Air Metropolitano.

Bilbao grabbed the lead through Aitor Paredes in the 23rd minute, with Antoine Griezmann restoring parity four minutes after halftime.

Alexander Sorloth then bagged a brace with strikes in the 54th and three minutes into stoppage time, putting the visitors in a commanding 3-1 lead before Gorka Guruzeta scored a late consolation goal.

Strikes from Largie Ramazani (50') and Umar Sadiq (59') handed Valencia a 2-1 win over Girona at Mestalla Stadium, with Joeal Roca pulling one back for the visitors in the 63rd minute.

Mallorca took an early lead through Jan Virgili's 18th-minute goal before Alaves fought back with a Toni Martinez brace of goals in the 56th and 69th minutes to grab a 2-1 win at Estadio de Mendizorroza.

READ MORE: Chippa United coach questions hunger after AmaZulu hammering