Spanish champions Barcelona’s title hopes are out of their own hands after a shock defeat at Real Valladolid.
Valladolid, who started the day in the relegation zone, took the lead in the 17th minute through Fausto Rossi, who fired home after he and Javi Guerra had shots blocked.
Lionel Messi, who had a chance saved before the opener, and Cesc Fabregas forced keeper Diego Marino into more stops but they trailed at half-time for the first time in the league this season.
Messi, the visitors’ brightest player despite recent on-field vomiting problems, forced another two saves after the break and Neymar blazed a shot over from close range as Barcelona could not find a way through.
Valladolid substitute Oscar Gonzalez almost doubled the hosts’ lead on the counter-attack as Barcelona slipped to a third defeat in six league games and a second straight away defeat.
The Catalan club remain one point behind Real Madrid, who host Levante in their game in hand on Sunday.
Gerardo Martino’s side could end the weekend in third place, with 11 games left, as Atletico Madrid head to Celta Vigo later on Saturday.
They have the chance to bounce back from their La Liga upset when they host Manchester City in the Champions League on Wednesday. The Catalans won the last-16 first-leg tie 2-0 in Manchester.
Source: BBC