Barcelona kept their title hopes alive in LaLiga Santander with a 1-0 win away at Real Valladolid on Saturday evening.
It wasn't a vintage display from Quique Setien's men, who struggled to control the tempo of the match, especially after the break.
Barcelona's first-half performance was just about satisfactory as the likes of Riqui Puig and Antoine Griezmann squandered good chances to score.
Then, in the second half, they allowed Valladolid back into the game, with Marc-Andre ter Stegen coming to their rescue more than once.
The Catalans move to within one point of Real Madrid at the top, but it was a painful watch at the Estadio Jose Zorrilla.
Lionel Messi's attacking contributions continue to come as assists rather than goals.
Since the season's resumption in June, the Argentine has scored three goals but made nine assists, with the latest one coming to set up Arturo Vidal on Saturday.
Antoine Griezmann was certainly not at his best at the Jose Zorrilla.
His evening was summed up by his complete miskick after receiving a low cross from Nelson Semedo in the first half.
Kike Perez was the subject of one of the most bizarre moments of the season so far in LaLiga Santander.
The Valladolid midfielder caught his knee in the turf at the Jose Zorrilla as he stretched to get a shot off against Ter Stegen, cutting up the pitch in the process.
ow71222
79
frankly speaking it's Real Madrid vs Messi in the title race๐๐๐๐๐I don't remember a game when Barca won where Messi had no goals or assists๐๐๐
huklnty
26
Barca's will loose the title bar fans make me sick accept defeat move on from it
piubnostz
17
Obviously the team is weak.. they're now fatigued cuz of the regular matches...the team need 11 fresh legs next season...Rakitic is weak, suarez is expired, Griezman still timid in front if messi, Pique expired, messi lost form..
MrSadat
8
Nothing is impossible... Barca still can win the title... the next two match is tough for real also... so stay positive and make the race competitive.. Barca still can comeback