FCBARCELONA.CAT

15.04.2007 22:52

Barça open up four-point lead

Defeats for main rivals Sevilla (second) and Real Madrid (third) have given FC Barcelona a four-point and five-point lead respectively.

Barça’s win against Mallorca has taken on even greater significance after Sevilla’s 2-0 defeat to Valencia in the Mestalla and Real Madrid’s 2-1 defeat away to Racing Santander.

Sevilla shot down by Villa

Midweek success at reaching the semi-finals of the UEFA Cup seemed to have taken its toll as Sevilla slipped to a 2-0 defeat away to another of the title contenders Valencia. Two goals from Spanish international striker David Villa, the second from the penalty spot, were enough to see off the visitors and bring Valencia right back into the hunt for a Champions League finish. Sevilla also had a penalty in the first half but were thwarted by Valencia keeper Cañizares.

Real Madrid fail to take their chance

A win for Real Madrid on Saturday would have taken them – temporarily – to the top of the table. In fact Madrid did take the lead through Raúl but two goals from the penalty spot by Garay settled the match in favour of Racing Santander. The defeat leaves them four points adrift of Barça and just a point ahead of fourth-placed Valencia.