Barcelona slip up, Valencia return to winning ways in La Liga

FC Barcelona’s winning streak came with an end following a draw against Getafe.

Madrid, Dec 14 (IANS) FC Barcelona's La Liga title hopes took a major hit when they were held to a 0-0 draw away to Getafe while Valencia returned to winning ways with a 3-0 win over Rayo Vallecano.

The draw sees Barca slip four points behind Real Madrid in the BBVA Primera Liga, but just as worrying for Barca as the dropped points was a performance which saw them fail to create a single chance from open play Saturday, reports Xinhua.

Barca failed to get their slick passing game going and their best chance came seven minutes after halftime when Lionel Messi rattled the Getafe crossbar with a free-kick before testing Getafe keeper Vicente Guaita with another just before the hour. Angel Lafita went closest for Getafe, forcing a fingertip save from Claudio Bravo in the Barca goal in the first half.

Real Madrid had put Barca under pressure Friday night with a 4-1 win in Almeria.

On the other hand, Valencia got back to winning ways after four matches without a victory, thanks to a stunning first half at home to Rayo Vallecano.

Sophaine Feghouli scored twice for Valencia and Pablo Piatti's pace on the break helped put Valencia 3-0 up at halftime and despite losing Andre Gomez for a second yellow card 20 minutes from time, they had few problems in holding on for all three points.