LA LIGA MD35 RECAP: Late goal sealed Champions League spot
LA LIGA MD35 RECAP
Real Betis 1-2 Barcelona: Alba’s volley won Barca’s place in the Champions League
A late goal for a dramatic win against Real Betis has already sealed Barcelona’s spot in the Champions
League next season.
It was a difficult game for the Catalan club on the away trip to Estadio Benito Villamarín on Matchday 35
of La Liga.
Two teams held each other over the one-hour mark.
But the last 15 minutes were one ride of excitement as all three scored. Ansu Fati came off the bench to
break the jaw jinx before a former Barca star, Marc Bartra leveled in no time for the host.
However, double fullbacks Dani Alves and Jordi Alba combined to produce a late goal as Alba’s volley
was too difficult to save.
The win sealed Barca’s spot as they are now 11 points clear of Betis, with only 3 games to go, the target
reached for Xavi’s squad. Now, it’s only a matter of where the Blaugranas will be finishing among 2nd or
3rd place, as Sevilla will be fighting for the rest of the 3 games left of the season.
Atletico 1-0 Real Madrid: Pride won at El Derbi
Real Madrid took the trophy, but Atletico took the pride in the El Derbi of La Liga 2021/22, Matchday 35.
Yannick Carrasco’s only goal in the first half won Atletico 3 crucial points at home, Wanda
Metropolitano.
Italian Carlo Ancelotti did not hide his plan in resting the key players when he made as many as 8
changes in the starting XI.
The likes of Vinicius Jr, Karim Benzema, Toni Kroos, and Luka Modric were on the bench against their rivals.
As a result, a hungrier side of Spain’s capital took control of the game.
The home side got what they wanted in the 40th minute, as Matheus Cunha was tackled by Jesus Vallejo in
the box. VAR intervened and the referee awarded a penalty which was converted perfectly by Carrasco.
Los Blancos tried to fight back in the 2nd half when Vinicius, Modric, and Valverde subbed. But Atleti was
the better side with a deserved victory.
Diego Simeone’s side meant business, and they had done it. 3 points won at home helped Los
Colchoneros’s hope for a Champions League spot is alive, with 3 more games to go.
