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Game over for Barça?

The title seems to be slipping from Barcelona's grasp after a disappointing 0-0 at Valencia extended Real Madrid's lead to seven points. The Catalan outfit failed to score even after dominating the game leaving the relegation-threatened side with a vital point.

Barcelona's closest effort of the game came in the 17th minute. Messi produced another well timed run and found himself one-on-one with the Villarreal keeper, Diego López. The Argentine chipped the ball but luck was not on Barça's side as the ball bounced wide.

Victor Valdés was again on top form, punching a free kick away from the danger zone. The ball dropped near the goal line but Javier Mascherano headed the ball away before Eric Abidal blocked a shot that looked goal bound.

Without the striking talents of David Villa and Alexis Sánchez on the pitch, Barcelona lacked their clinical edge. No strong chances flell their way leaving them frustrated and causing them to pick up more bookings then usual. Both Dani Alves and Alexis Sánchez were cautioned for back chatting the referee during the game. There was also trouble with the officials on the bench. A member of the Villarreal coaching staff was sent to the stands for comments about a refereeing decision.

Villarreal did have the ball in the net on the 36th minute. A swinging corner deflected and found Gonzalo to head in. But Barcelona had played the offside trap brilliantly and replays revealed a whole line of Villarreal attackers who were offside.

Guardiola introduced Alexis, Thiago and Tello to try and create more chances. The substitutes looked lively, in particular Alexis, but luck again wasn't on Barça's side.

Cesc Fàbregas should have sealed it for Barcelona. The summer signing received the ball on the edge of the area. As the goalie scrambled back to his goal line, Barça, and Madrid, fans held their breath but Cesc blasted the ball over.

The draw means Madrid move seven points clear thanks to their 3-1 victory earlier. Madrid also showed their mental strength, ignoring a Clásico defeat and newspaper reports of broken team harmony, to produce another fine display of their brilliance. Barcelona now needs Mourinho's men to drop seven points, but Los Blancos have only dropped eight points all season. The title race would seem to be over, but Barcelona will keep the faith until the end. It is this team belief that makes it impossible to rule out a comeback.

Full time result: Villarreal 0-0 Barcelona

Goal scorers: Villarreal: None Barcelona: None

Team lineup:
Villarreal: Diego López, Ángel López, Gonzalo, Musacchio, Joan Oriol, Marcos Senna, Bruno, Cani (Castellani 72), Borja Valero, Joselu, Marco Ruben Subs: César, Marchena, De Guzmán, Zapata, Mario, Camuñas, Mariño
Formation: 4-2-2-2

Barcelona: Valdés, Alves, Piqué (Alexis 60), Puyol, Abidal, Mascherano, Xavi (Thiago 76), Busquets, Cesc, Messi, Adriano (Tello 76) Subs: Pinto, Sergi Roberto, Dos Santos
Formation: 4-3-3

Stadium: El Madrigal

Referee: José Antonio Teixeira Vitienes

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