FC Barcelona survived a late scare on Sunday evening after a late goal by Inaki Williams which would have helped Atletico Bilbao secure a 1-1 draw, was chalked off by the VAR for a handball in the build-up to the goal.

A draw would have reduced the point gap between Barcelona and Real Madrid to just seven points after the Los Blancos secured a 3-1 win against Espanyol on Saturday at the Santiago Bernabeu.

However, Barcelona managed to play their part and enjoy a bit of luck as Raphinha’s half-time strike was enough to seal another 1-0 win. Xavi’s men have won or lost their last three consecutive matches with the same scoreline, and there were fears of a slowdown from the team.

Meanwhile, the club was enmeshed in a controversial claim during the week as regards payment to referees’ officials in the past decade. 

However, Barcelona marched on after a difficult game as they prepare for next weekend’s La Liga El Clasico.

Rivals Real Madrid will prepare for the second leg of the UEFA Champions League round of sixteen clash with Liverpool at Santiago Bernabeu. Carlo Ancelotti’s got back to winning ways with a comeback 3-1 win at home to Espanyol.

After Joselu’s eight-minute opener for the visitors, Vinicius Junior and Eder Militao ensured that Real Madrid went into the break ahead; a late Marco Asensio goal put the home side firmly in control of all three points.

While Barcelona and Real Madrid will face each other in the final El Clasico of the La Liga season, Athletic Bilbao will face Real Valladolid in their next game on Friday.

Meanwhile, Real Valladolid played a 1-1 draw against Elche on Saturday despite finishing the game with nine men. Valencia were 1-0 winners over Osasuna, Celta Vigo beat Rayo Vallecano 3-0, Mallorca held Real Sociedad 1-1, same as Villarreal v Betis, while Sevilla beat Almeria 2-1.

Daniel Ademiju Idowu