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The Independent UK

World

Kieran Jackson

Dani Ceballas the hero for Real Madrid on return to Real Betis

Substitute Dani Ceballos scored from a free kick in the final minutes to save Real Madrid from another setback in the Spanish league title race on Sunday.

Ceballos sent his strike through a gap in the defensive wall to claim the winning goal in a 2-1 victory at Real Betis. Ceballos, who joined Madrid from Betis before the start of last season, went on in the 74th minute to jeers from Betis fans and with Madrid on the defensive.

But when Casemiro earned a foul just outside the box, Ceballos stepped up to score the goal that will take some pressure off beleaguered Madrid coach Santiago Solari.

2019-01-13T16:38:33.053Z

Good evening and welcome to The Independent's live coverage of Barcelona vs Eibar in La Liga!

We'll be bringing you all the updates and goals as they fly in at the Camp Nou!

Team news coming shortly...

2019-01-13T16:50:00.000Z

Here's the Barcelona line-up.

Two changes from the side who beat Getafe 2-1 last week - Sergio Busquets and Philippe Coutinho come in for Arturo Vidal and Ousmane Dembele.

2019-01-13T16:55:00.000Z

Here's the Eibar starting XI:

2019-01-13T17:05:00.000Z

Here's the Barcelona team arriving at the stadium.

2019-01-13T17:08:27.090Z

Barcelona actually lost their last match, as a second-string side fell to a 2-1 defeat at Levante in the Copa del Rey R16 on Thursday.

The second-leg is this Thursday at the Camp Nou.

2019-01-13T17:15:22.000Z

A stunning scene in Catalonia ahead of tonight's game:

2019-01-13T17:20:00.000Z

Barcelona come into this game two points clear of Atletico Madrid at the top of La Liga, having played a match less.

Atletico beat Levante 1-0 earlier today courtesy of an Antoine Griezmann penalty.

2019-01-13T17:25:22.000Z

Eibar have astonishingly drawn their last five matches in all competitions, and haven't won since beating Real Madrid in November.

They are one of five teams on 22 points - three clear of the relegation zone.

2019-01-13T17:28:00.000Z

We're just a few minutes from kick-off...

2019-01-13T17:30:07.496Z

The teams are out at the Camp Nou and we're all set to go!

KICK OFF

2019-01-13T17:33:00.023Z

KICK-OFF: Barcelona 0-0 Eibar

MATCH ACTION

2019-01-13T17:35:51.790Z

2 minutes: Barcelona 0-0 Eibar

Early corner for Barca but Messi's cross is comfortably into the hands of Eibar keeper Asier Risego.

MATCH ACTION

2019-01-13T17:38:28.476Z

5 minutes: Barcelona 0-0 Eibar

Eibar have started well here - keeping the ball really impressively.

A threatening cross into the box is just about cleared by the Barca backline.

MATCH ACTION

2019-01-13T17:40:18.656Z

8 minutes: Barcelona 0-0 Eibar

Barcelona have a free-kick by the touchline in Eibar's half here, after a cheap foul on Rakitic. Messi will take...

MATCH ACTION

2019-01-13T17:41:36.740Z

9 minutes: Barcelona 0-0 Eibar

Excellent in-swinging delivery by Messi, and Pique's glancing header goes wide of the far post. Pique was flagged by the linesman - just offside.

MATCH ACTION

2019-01-13T17:42:30.283Z

10 minutes: Barcelona 0-0 Eibar

Messi plays an immaculate ball over the top of the Eibar defence to Jordi Alba, but his cross is blocked by keeper Risego.

MATCH ACTION

2019-01-13T17:48:25.356Z

14 minutes: Barcelona 0-0 EIbar

Some space opens up for Messi, but a nutmeg which would've put him through on goal doesn't come off.

Eibar more than matching their opponents at the moment though - pressing high up the pitch and having their fair share of the ball.

GOAL!

2019-01-13T17:51:43.190Z

GOAL! Barcelona 1-0 Eibar (Suarez 19')

Out of nothing, Barca take the lead!

Luis Suarez links up brilliantly with Messi - the Argentine feeds his team-mate and it's an excellent right-footed finish by the Uruguayan, who opens up his body and shoots right into the corner.

Pinpoint accuracy from Luis Suarez - he has now scored in six consecutive games against Eibar.

MATCH ACTION

2019-01-13T17:55:17.696Z

22 minutes: Barcelona 1-0 Eibar

Suarez is put through on goal again, but he goes slightly too early, and is rightly given offside.

MATCH ACTION

2019-01-13T18:02:09.726Z

27 minutes: Barcelona 1-0 Eibar

Eibar's best opportunity so far.

A Ruben Pena cross from the right finds Sergi Enrich on the edge-of-the-box, and his header is just over. Good effort from the striker.