Barça defeat opens door in Spain
Saturday, 7 April 2007
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Barcelona were stunned by defeat at Real Zaragoza (©Getty Images)
FC Barcelona suffered a setback to their hopes of retaining their Primera División crown after a 1-0 defeat at Real Zaragoza on Saturday night while Valencia CF's title chances were also hit by a 1-0 loss at Athletic Club Bilbao.
Milito strike
After a tepid first half, the game in Zaragoza burst into life after the restart with Andrés D'Alessandro drilling over a great chance for the hosts on 55 minutes. But a minute later Diego Milito scored from a tight angle after a near-post cross from D'Alessandro. The goal was Milito's 19th of the season bringing him level with Frédéric Kanouté at the top of the goalscoring charts.
Sevilla chance
Barcelona replied immediately with Deco being frustrated by César, while Lionel Messi and Eidur Gudjohnsen were both denied by last-ditch tackles as Barcelona pressed in vain for an equaliser. The result means Sevilla FC, two points adrift, can go top in Spain with a win against Real Racing Club Santander tomorrow, while Zaragoza are just six points off top spot in fourth place as they hunt a UEFA Champions League place next season.
Valencia regret
That result gave Valencia the chance to move within three points of pole position if they could win in Bilbao in the late game. But their hopes were also dashed as relegation-threatened Athletic went in front on 27 minutes with Igor Gabilondo cleverly flicking in after a low cross from Joseba Etxeberria. David Villa was introduced at half-time and he came closest to levelling on 72 minutes but his chip cannoned back off the woodwork as Valencia dropped to fifth in the table.
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Barça defeat opens door in Spain
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