Barcelona wastes title chance in Camp Nou

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(Xinhua)
Updated: 2009-05-11 09:16

MADRID - Barcelona missed out on the chance to be crowned champion of the Spanish Primera Liga on Sunday by only drawing 3-3 against Villarreal in the Camp Nou Stadium.

Real Madrid's defeat in Valencia on Saturday meant a win would have taken Barca 10 points clear with just three games left to play, making them impossible to catch. As it was, Barcelona could only draw a dramatic encounter 3-3.

Things looked to be going to plan after Seydou Keita's deflected shot put the League leaders ahead after 12 minutes.

However, Villarreal was also battling for a place in Europe and when Joseba Llorente equalized after 22 minutes, it was clear his side was not in the game just to make up the numbers.

Indeed had it not been for a brilliant stop from Barcelona keeper Victor Valdes, Llorente would have put the visitors ahead soon after.

Barcelona retook the lead after 36 minutes thanks to Samuel Eto'o, who scored his 28th goal of the season from close range following a quick free kick.

A Dani Alves free kick put Barcelona 3-1 ahead on the stroke of half time and the title looked to be almost won.

The fans were starting to celebrate in the Camp Nou during the second half, but their celebrations proved to be premature. Villarreal got back into game with just 13 minutes remaining when Mati Fernandez scored a penalty after Eric Abidal had brought down Nihat Kavechi.

Adibal was sent off, leaving Barcelona with 10 men, but Barcelona looked to have held on and the celebrations were starting up again when Llorente scored his second of the night two minutes into injury time.

Barcelona wastes title chance in Camp Nou

Barcelona's Andres Iniesta leaves the pitch at the end of their Spanish first division soccer match against Villarreal at Nou Camp stadium in Barcelona May 10, 2009. [Agencies]

The Villarreal forward took advantage of a long ball from out of defense and an error from Carles Puyol, leveled the scores and put the celebration on ice for another week.

Barcelona will now be crowned as favorites with a draw in Mallorca next Sunday, but they could take the title even sooner if Real Madrid fails to win in Villarreal on Saturday night.

Following Real Madrid's performance in the 3-0 defeat to Valencia, that is a distinct possibility.

Humiliated by Barcelona in front of the fans in the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium a week ago, Madrid looked like a team devoid of morale. Juande Ramos' side was never in the game and Valencia was a worthy winner.

Former Madrid youngster Juan Mata opened the scoring after 28 minutes and David Silva doubled the home side's advantage six minutes later.

Madrid looked to have surrendered any ambition and looked like a team that wants the season to end as soon as possible. Meanwhile Ruben Baraja made it 3-0 with 22 minutes left on the clock.

The win strengthens Valencia's hopes of qualifying for next season's Champions League and keeps them in contact with third placed Sevilla.

Sevilla turned in its best performance in a long time, winning 3-1 at home to Mallorca, thanks to goals from Freddy Kanoute, Luis Fabiano and Jesus Navas.

Meanwhile Athletic Club Bilbao warmed up for Wednesday's Kings Cup final with a 1-0 win at home to Betis.

Athletic coach Joaquin Caparros played a team made up entirely of reserves, but Athletic was still too good for Betis and a first half goal from Ion Velez sealed the points.

Elsewhere Getafe beat Osasuna 3-0, Deportivo la Coruna triumphed 2-1 away to Recreativo Huelva, while Sporting Gijon was beaten 3-1 in Almeria.

Malaga claimed a late win at home to Racing Santander, and Valladolid and Numancia drew a dull game 0-0.