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First Division - Day 37

Elche 0 - Barcelona 0

Elche: Manu Herrera; Damián Suárez, Lombán, Pelegrín, Cisma; Carlos Sánchez, Rubén Pérez; Carles Gil (Boakye 78‘), Javi Márquez (Rivera 74’), Rodrigues; Coro (Fidel 88’). 4-2-3-1.
Barcelona: Pinto; Dani Alves, Marc Bartra, Mascherano, Adriano; Fàbregas (Xavi 80’), Busquets, Iniesta; Alexis, Messi, Pedro (Tello 67’). 4-3-3.

Goals: None.

Yellow cards: Pelegrín 27’, Cisma 41’, Alexis 49’, Mascherano 54’, Pedro 61’, Rubén Pérez 64’.

Barcelona could only draw 0-0 at Elche in the penultimate game of the season, but with leaders Atlético also drawing at home to Málaga, a victory against Simeone’s side next weekend in the Nou Camp will hand the league title to the Catalans, something that seemed impossible only eight days ago. The locals still needed a point to be safe, and a packed crowd saw Pelegrín bring an early save out of Pinto. Iniestra drove a volley against the crossbar though, and after that it was just about one way traffic, Alexis, Messi and Pedro all failing to find the target, and Manu Herrera saving from Messi and Alexis. Messi tested Herrera again a couple of times either side of half time, but the home side created a couple of chances themselves after the interval, Carles Gil and Rodrigues firing shots over the top. News came in though that Atlético were only drawing, and knowing that a defeat would hand their rivals the title, but that a draw or a win made no difference, Tata Martino decided to go for caution. That suited Fran Escribá as well, and although Herrera did have to make late saves from Adriano and Messi, both teams were happy with the result.