sport news 10 THINGS WE LEARNED from LaLiga as Barcelona went nine points clear at the top trends now
Barcelona were not affected by off-the-field scandal as they won away at Athletic Bilbao to go nine clear at the top. Not that Xavi is going to enjoy them becoming the team people love to hate.
Real Madrid warmed up for Liverpool with a Vinicius-inspired win that keeps them second but they are starting to believe that's as good as it will get.
Down at the bottom Sevilla triumphed thanks to their stand-in keeper. Oh and get the open top bus out of the garage!
It’s time for the first parade of the season – referees have now sent players off 101 times in Spain, some achievement that.
Here's 10 things we learned from LaLiga.
Xavi watched his side win 1-0 yet again to extend their lead at the top of La Liga to nine points
Barçagate means the club will suffer out of court too
Athletic supporters threw counterfeit bank notes on to the pitch bearing the word Mafia alongside the Barcelona club crest.
There were also chants of ‘to the second division’ (the equivalent of ‘Going down, going down). ‘I was surprised by this atmosphere of hostility towards Barça at San Mames,’ said Xavi.
He is probably going to have to get used to it. Other clubs will not take kindly to around £7m paid across 20 years to someone who was at the time vice-president of the Referees’ Committee.
If there is no explanation the ill-feeling will linger for a while yet, despite the current players having nothing to do with something that stopped in 2018.
Barcelona received a frosty reception at San Mames Stadium amid their latest off-field scandal
It will be tough to emulate Ferguson
Before the game Xavi was asked about following in Fergie’s footsteps and doing two decades as Barça coach. ‘It would be nice but I don’t think it’s possible,’ he said.
After Barcelona's 11th 1-0 win of the season on Sunday he was asked several questions as to why they team couldn’t win games by greater margins.
Can you imagine Sir Alex putting up with that for 20 years? Xavi is already exhausted after a season and a half in the job.
Raphinha has proved his worth
His sixth goal of the season didn’t just give Barcelona victory; it also made him the club’s second top scorer level with Pedri.
He also has five assists and it might be time to admit he’s been worth the money. That won’t necessarily mean Barcelona would turn down an offer for him this summer such is their financial plight.
Raphinha proved his worth to Barcelona with a decisive performance - the goal also brought him level with the club's second top scorer
... and so have Christensen and Marcos Alonso
The two former Chelsea defenders both made crucial blocks as Barcelona held on at the end against Athletic.
They too have proved good signings in a defence that has still only conceded eight goals in LaLiga. The Spaniard is
