Madrid, March 5 (BNA): Barcelona maintained its momentum in its title pursuit by defeating Valencia 1-0 and increasing its lead over Real Madrid in the Spanish League on Sunday.
Rafinha scored the winning goal in the first half for Barcelona, who missed a penalty kick from Ferran Torres early in the second half and then sent off defender Ronald Araujo.
The victory at Camp Nou came three days after Barcelona beat Madrid 1-0 at the Santiago Bernabeu in the first leg of the King’s Cup semi-final.
The Catalan club advanced to the top of the league over Real Madrid, with 10 points, which increased pressure on its rival. Madrid will play at Real Betis later Sunday, reports the Associated Press.
Barcelona lost two consecutive goals against Manchester United in the Europa League and Almeria in the League before coming out with a big cup victory over Madrid at the Bernabeu.
Rafinha scored with a header after a good pass from Sergio Busquets in the 15th minute. Torres missed the penalty kick in the 55th minute and four minutes later Araujo was sent off for stopping a breakaway.
insignificant