Barcelona have extended their lead at the summit of La Liga after an unconvincing win over Real Valladolid at the Camp Nou.
Former Barcelona goalkeeper Jordi Masip persistently denied his former employers with a string of superb saves but a first-half penalty converted by Lionel Messi was enough to see Ernesto Valverde’s side move seven points clear of second place Atletico Madrid.
Real Madrid can move to back within six points of their arch-rivals with a win over Girona on Sunday.
Barcelona toiled for most of the first-half but took the lead in its closing minutes largely thanks to the efforts of Gerard Pique.
After thwarting a Valladolid attack with a perfectly timed interception, the Spain international launched the counter, getting up field to offer an option inside the box.
Picked out by Messi, Pique was hauled back by Michel with the referee pointing to the spot. Former Barcelona understudy Matip guessed the right way against his former teammate but was no match for the Argentine’s precision from 12 yards.
Messi thought his guided effort had doubled his side’s lead early in the second half but this time Masip was equal to it, producing a superb reflex save.
With Barcelona still labouring, Ernesto Valverde called upon Luis Suarez from the bench after an hour. A huge error at the back allowed Messi to slip in Suarez one-on-one minutes later but again Masip would deny his former club, rushing out of goal to block the Uruguayan’s effort.
A frustrating evening for Barcelona was illustrated by Messi picking up a booking for dissent but a second penalty gave him the chance to wrap things up after Philippe Coutinho was brought down in the box.
But Masip, who served as Barcelona’s back-up for three years between 2014 and 2017, again spurned his former teammate, batting away his spot kick having come within inches of keeping out his first.
The Spanish goalkeeper denied Suarez again in injury time for good measure but one goal was enough for the champions.
