FC Barcelona continues to lose ground in Spain’s La Liga against surprise leaders Girona. Despite Joao Felix’s 1-0 lead (55th), the defending champions had to settle for a 1-1 draw at medium-sized Valencia on Saturday. They conceded an equalizer from Hugo Guillamon (70th) at the start of the final phase and were a little unlucky another hit.
With one more game, coach Xavi’s team is already six points behind Girona and four behind David Alaba and Real Madrid. They remain one point ahead of fourth-placed Atletico Madrid as the team from the capital lost 2-0 at Athletic Bilbao on Saturday. Real Madrid face Villarreal at home on Sunday, while Girona hosts Deportivo Alaves on Monday.
Second coaching change in Seville
Meanwhile, Sevilla FC’s footballers are getting a third coach this semester. After Jose Luis Mendilibar was fired at the beginning of October, his successor Diego Alonso was also released. The Uruguayan led the current Europa League winners to only two wins in 13 games in the last two months – against lower league teams in the cup.
On Sunday, the Andalusians lost 3-0 at home to Getafe and are only out of the relegation zone in the Spanish championship thanks to the better goal difference. In the middle of the week, a Champions League defeat in Lens meant they were out of the European Cup.
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