Barcelona: Bravo; Dani Alves, Piqué, Marc Bartra (Busquets 61’), Adriano; Xavi (Iniesta 74‘), Mascherano, Rafinha (Pedro 82‘); Messi, Luis Suárez, Neymar. 4-3-3.
Real: Rulli; Carlos Martínez, Mikel González, Iñigo Martínez, De la Bella; Bergara, Rubén Pardo; Xabi Prieto, Granero (Elustondo 93’), Canales (Chory Castro 73‘); Carlos Vela (Finnbogason 77‘). 4-2-3-1.
Goals:
1-0. 51. Neymar. Far post header past Rulli after Mikel headed back Messi cross.
2-0. 85. Pedro. Acrobatic overhead kick past keeper after Messi centre deflected.
Yellow cards: Granero 26’, De la Bella 27’, Bergara 29’, Rulli 62’, Mascherano 63’, Rubén Pardo 76’.
Whether the proposed strike puts an end to the season or not, the title race appears to be over after Barcelona opened up a four point gap over rivals Real Madrid. Luis Enrique’s side were first up on Saturday, and they built on their midweek Champions League win with a 2-0 victory over Real Sociedad. The Catalans had most of the play in the first half, but they were unable to get past an inspired Rulli, who made top class saves from Messi, Neymar and Piqué. Luis Suárez and Dani Alves also went close, and after the interval Rulli was called upon again to keep out a Marc Bartra header from Xavi’s corner. A couple of minutes later Neymar finally got the goal they were looking for, the Brazilian striker heading in on the far post after Mikel González could only head back Messi’s cross. After that though the legs started to tire, and there were some nervous moments for the home fans before substitute Pedro made sure of the points with a spectacular overhead kick after a defender deflected Messi’s cross into the air. Messi could have increased the lead after that when he ran past everyone only to shoot just wide of the post, and Finnbogason wasted a possible moment of glory near the end when he fired a shot straight at ex Real keeper Claudio Bravo after making himself space on the edge of the area. Another win for Barça though, and a sixth clean sheet in a row for Bravo, who has now set a new club record of 22 for the season.