Three huge points worth half a league at San Mames
Barça achieved a victory in La Catedral that is worth more than half of La Liga. The Blaugrana team took three golden points that allow them to maintain their lead over Madrid, while awaiting next Sunday's Clasico at Camp Nou, which will seal the title... in the event of a Culé victory. It was not an easy match at San Mamés, in a particularly hostile atmosphere, even tense at times, against Barça.
It was an intense encounter that required extreme physical exertion. The Blaugrana had to work hard to beat an Athletic side in need of oxygen. But this Barça, despite the stumble in Almeria, is showing extraordinary solvency. And they achieved their 22nd win in 26 games. Only two draws and two defeats show the efficiency of a team that is on course for the title.
Raphinha's goal was enough to take another step towards glory. Even though, as is all too often the case this season, they ended up suffering in the last few minutes... Barça did not shine on the footballing side, but they did, once again, in terms of commitment and, above all, ambition. The only thing that matters now is winning. And the Blaugrana players are very clear about that. Hence their final euphoria.
The deafening noise surrounding the 'Negreira case', fed by the Madrid media, could affect the team. Despite Laporta's desire to protect the squad from controversy, it is inevitable that the thunder of the crisis will not reach the dressing room. The loudspeakers of anti-Barcelonismo have already taken it upon themselves, over the last few days, to try to destabilise Xavi's team by any means possible. But, fortunately, they have not succeeded. The team has stayed out of the scandal and made it clear in San Mamés.
Everyone against Barça
Florentino Perez has decided to break his unwritten pact with Laporta and Madrid will take part in the 'Negreira case'. In a statement, Los Blancos claim that "in defence of its legitimate interests" it has no choice but to join the campaign of harassment and demolition of Barça. Madrid is not the best place to talk about cheating in football. Throughout history there is more than enough evidence to show that its hands are not clean. Something that, for the moment, is not the case with the Blaugrana club.
Laporta insisted yesterday: "Barça is innocent". And he added: "Many will have to rectify". Let justice act and let the whole truth come out. But let's not lynch Barça before its guilt or innocence is proven. The plot against the honour of Barça has united, in the end, all the enemies of the Blaugrana club. And there are many of them. And very powerful ones.
