La Liga Report: March 24

Mallorca 0-2 Barcelona

Messi and Pique on target as 10-man Catalans keep up pressure on Real Madrid

Pep Guardiola's reign notched its 600th goal as the Blaugrana continue their resurgent title charge despite Thiago's sending off early in the second half

 

Barcelona's 50th competitive match of the season saw them secure a hard-fought 2-0 victory over Mallorca at the Iberostar Stadium on Saturday, despite playing much of the second half with 10 men.

Lionel Messi's curling free kick appeared to be diverted into the corner by Alexis Sanchez at the far post, but was awarded to the Argentine as Barca went in front midway through the first half.

Pep Guardiola's side missed the opportunity to double their advantage on a number of occasions after that and, following Thiago's sending off on the hour mark, were left sweating as the home side threateted. But they dug deep and Gerard Pique struck 10 minutes from time to make certain a vital three points in their pursuit of Real Madrid at the top of La Liga. 

After a frantic start, Barcelona began to dominate the islanders and a defensive error allowed Messi a sight of goal. The Argentine did well to escape the attention of Nunes but Dudu Aoute got his face in the way of the 24-year-old's fierce drive.

Mallorca responded with the Catalans' best opportunity of the first half. A flowing move on the touchline saw Alvaro Gimenez combine well with Victor before the latter crossed for his strike partner, but Gimenez's flicked header dropped beyond the far post. 

The home side fell behind in unfortunate circumstances after 25 minutes. Messi whipped in a devilish free kick that dropped inside the six-yard box before drifting onto the inside of the far post and rustling the back of the net without any subsequent touches, although Alexis Sanchez appeared to have guided it over the line. 

In a dominant spell for the Blaugrana, Mallorca were fortunate to escape falling further behind when Thiago's bullish tackle had seen the ball break to Alexis. The Chilean's deflected shot hit the underside of the bar before Chico headed to safety ahead of the lurking Cesc Fabregas. 

Joaquin Caparros' side started the second half on the front foot and the coach responded by introducing Tomer Hemed and Emilio Nsue to the action. And Mallorca's chances increased following Thiago's sending off after the referee harshly punished the midfielder for handball. The resulting free kick saw the islanders come close as Hemed rose highest to meet the delivery but Victor Valdes did well to make an important save. 

Guardiola reacted to Thiago's red card by bringing on Martin Montoya and Seydou Keita in an attempt to stem the attacking threat. Despite this, Mallorca were able to assert themselves on the game, although they still struggled to create any clear chances. 

And with 10 minutes remaining Barcelona secured all three points when Pique reacted quickest. Messi combined with Puyol before the former crashed a low drive against the upright, and there was the former Manchester United man to turn in the rebound. 

Chances came late on for both sides but neither were able to convert them into goals as Barca prepared for their Champions League tie against AC Milan with a vital victory in their pursuit of a fourth straight Liga title. 

Real Madrid 5-1 Real Sociedad

Cristiano Ronaldo gets 100th league goal for Los Blancos as hosts maintain six point gap over Barcelona

The Portugese sensation wrapped up the quickest top flight century in the club's history as they avoid dropping points for the third Primera Division game in a row

 

Cristiano Ronaldo scored his 100th Primera Division goal for Real Madrid as they dismantled Real Sociedad 5-1 at the Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday.

The Portugese's first goal of his brace just after half an hour gave him a century of goals in the Spanish top flight after only 92 games, making him the fastest player to reach that landmark in the capital outfit's history. 

Gonzalo Higuain's early opener and a brace from Karim Benzema completed the rout for the home side, who, after drawing their last two league games, pick up a crucial three points that brings their lead over Barcelona back to six points. 

Xabi Prieto's strike minutes before half-time was nothing more than consolation, as the visitors were well and truly beaten by a dominant Madrid outfit. 

Source: goal.com