Barcelona inch past Real Valladoid to take a step closer to LaLiga title

With Real Madrid breathing down their necks in the race for the LaLiga title, the Catalans know strong performances are needed in every game remaining this season.

However, they looked incredibly lethargic to start against Valladolid and paid the price as Ivan Sanchez put the home side ahead just six minutes into the game.

They then began to defend well too, holding the LaLiga leaders at bay for the remainder of the first half.

Things clicked into gear for the Catalans in the second period, though, and goals from Raphinha (54') and Fermin Lopez (60') were just about enough to secure them the victory.

Elsewhere in LaLiga on Saturday, Villarreal put Osasuna to the sword in a high-scoring 4-2 win. Ayoze Perez opened the scoring in just the second minute of the game before Thierno Barry doubled their advantage in the 33rd minute.

Perez completed his brace and put the home side into an imposing position with a 39th minute strike before Osasuna hit back through goals from Ruben Garcia (66') and Aimar Oroz (81') in the second half, but Nicolas Pepe had added a fourth for Villareal in the 71st minute to ensure that the win was never really in doubt for the hosts.

Valencia needed an Alex Suarez own goal to beat Las Palmas 3-2 in a dramatic encounter. Hugo Duro's brace (22, 58') was cancelled out by strikes from Sandro Ramirez (45+2) and Oliver McBurnie (81'), with the Suarez OG in the 75th minute proving to be the difference between the two sides.

Alaves were able to hold Atletico Madrid in a drab 0-0 draw, while Florian Lejeune's seventh-minute strike was enough to secure a 1-0 win for Rayo Vallecano over 10-man Getafe.