Fermin Lopez and Marcus Rashford scored as Barcelona moved to the brink of the La Liga title with a 2-0 victory at Getafe on Saturday. Later, Atletico Madrid edged Athletic Bilbao 3-2 to build confidence ahead of their Champions League semifinal clash with Arsenal.
Barcelona's Dominance Continues
The defending Spanish champions extended their lead at the top to 11 points over second-placed Real Madrid, who drew at Real Betis on Friday. Hansi Flick's side can secure their second consecutive Spanish title if they beat Osasuna next weekend and Real Madrid fail to defeat Espanyol.
"It's not done, we have five more games and we're only focused on the next one," Flick told reporters. "We will celebrate when it's time, but not now."
Barcelona were without injured wingers Lamine Yamal and Raphinha but still managed to overcome Jose Bordalas's sixth-placed side. "We know we've got a big advantage but even so, we can't relax," said Lopez.
Getafe attempted to disrupt Barcelona's rhythm with fouls, but the visitors broke through just before halftime when Pedri set up Lopez to slot home. The midfielder celebrated by imitating Yamal's "304" gesture in tribute to the injured teenager.
In the second half, Rashford secured the victory after being sent through by Robert Lewandowski, calmly slotting past goalkeeper David Soria.
Atletico's Confidence Boost
Alexander Sorloth scored twice as Atletico Madrid defeated Athletic Bilbao, but midfielder Pablo Barrios limped off injured midway through the second half. Atletico sit fourth in La Liga, 10 points clear of fifth-placed Real Betis, with their hopes of silverware now focused on the Champions League.
Losing Barrios would be a blow for Diego Simeone's side ahead of the first leg against Arsenal on Wednesday. The Spaniard had only just returned from a thigh injury. "We all know Pablo is a hugely important player for us," said Atletico playmaker Alex Baena.
Before facing Athletic Bilbao, Atletico had lost seven of their last eight games, including the Copa del Rey final. "It's good to win again after a negative run," said Antoine Griezmann.
Aitor Paredes gave Athletic an early lead with a powerful header, but Griezmann equalized early in the second half. Sorloth then put Atletico ahead after combining with Baena. However, concern grew when Barrios pulled up injured and had to be substituted.
Simeone substituted Giuliano Simeone, Griezmann, Marcos Llorente, and Koke to preserve them for the Arsenal match. Sorloth extended the lead in stoppage time, and Gorka Guruzeta scored a late consolation for Athletic.
"Life always puts difficulties in front of us, for him it's injuries," Simeone said of Barrios. "He'll have to take pure learning from it for next season."
Atletico celebrated with their fans after the match, drawing inspiration ahead of the Champions League semifinal. "I really believe in this team, this club, this stadium," added Baena.
