Barcelona shocked by Real Valladolid as Real Sociedad boost Champions League hopes
Champions Barcelona suffered a shock loss to relegation-threatened Real Valladolid as Real Sociedad gave their Champions League hopes a boost with victory over Almeria.
Barcelona.<p>Barcelona suffered their fifth loss of the season to Real Valladolid, while Real Sociedad claimed a narrow win over Almeria.</p>
After Saturday's home loss to Real Sociedad, it was the first time Barcelona had slipped to successive league defeats since October 2021.
Valladolid were ahead inside two minutes as Andreas Christensen put the ball into his own net, and Cyle Larin doubled the lead after Eric Garcia had conceded a penalty.
Gonzalo Plata added the third upon VAR review after his 73rd-minute effort had initially been ruled offside.
Robert Lewandowski claimed a late consolation for Barcelona but Valladolid climbed out of the bottom three at the expense of Getafe.
Fourth-placed Real Sociedad took a huge step towards Champions League qualification with a 1-0 home win over Almeria.
Takefusa Kubo's winner in the fourth minute of first-half stoppage time extended Sociedad's lead over Villarreal to eight points.
Villarreal have three games left to play while Sociedad's two remaining matches are away to Atletico Madrid and at home to Sevilla.
Almeria remain in relegation trouble and were left to rue the 36th-minute dismissal of Luis Suarez, who was given his marching orders for a high foot on Robin Le Normand after VAR had intervened.
The Colombian striker reacted angrily by pushing the VAR monitor to the ground as he headed to the tunnel.
Celta Vigo drew 1-1 with Girona to pick up what could be a priceless point in their battle against relegation.
Carles Perez's fifth goal of the season put Carlos Carvalhal's side ahead three minutes before the break.
Cristhian Stuani equalised from the penalty spot just before the hour mark after Viktor Tsygankov had been fouled.
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