Both teams battled throughout the 90 minutes today but to no avail, a not so boring 0-0 here and a 1-1 draw at the Calderon has meant that La Liga will go down to the wire. Barcelona now need a win in their next game whilst Atletico need either a win or a draw to see them lift the trophy.
The first ten minutes of the game was quiet, no chances of real quality occurred and it seemed as if neither team had turned up. It wasn't until the 13th minute where we saw a spark in the game, Fabregas chipped a ball into Iniesta on the edge of the box who volleyed it sending it crashing against the bar, a let off for Elche. Again Barcelona made the next chance with Messi taking on two players and shooting at the Elche goal, Herrera positioned himself well though and the shot was easily saved. Once again Barca threatened with Pedro leaping above his marker and sending a Sanchez cross just wide, a chance which should have been taken by the Spanish winger.
Elche were next to make an impact on the game, winning a costless kick in a dangerous area meant that they could play a ball into the box with the hope of someone connecting with it, this is exactly what happened but Pinto denied them parrying the header just wide, a warning for the visitors which didn't go unanswered. Barcelona replied just two minutes later with a costless kick of their own, Messi the man over the ball took a shot to the near post which made Herrera work deflecting his effort just wide.
The next notable moment in the game was a poor challenge on Dani Alves from Elche man Cisma, the offender was awarded a yellow card in the 42nd minute after coming through the back of Alves kicking both of his legs out from underneath him. Soon after Messi was unleashed clear on goal after a incredible through ball, the Argentinean latched on to it, cut back and failed to find the net from less than 10 yards out, Herrera again the man to deny him.
The start of the second half was similarly as quiet as the first half with their being no real goal scoring threats, Elche were the first this time with an effort going just over the bar after some great work by both Boayke and Rodrigues. The former made a mazy run going past three or four Barcelona players before playing in the latter who squandered their only chance of the second half.
A moment of nervousness hit the Barcelona fans after Pinto played a ball straight into the oncoming Elche striker who was then tackled by the Barca keeper himself. He then went on a run past one player before passing it on, at this point he was about 35 yards out, dangerous territory for any goalkeeper and a risk which he didn't need to take. At the opposing end of the scale Herrera received the man of the match award after his performance in goal, he was the main reason why the score line reads 0-0.
Barcelona won't be happy with their performance by any stretch of the the imagination but it was just enough to see them through to their game with Atletico. If they are to win La Liga they will need to put in a much better performance than today as Simeone's men are no push overs, make sure you tune in LIVE to Vavel next week for full coverage of that game.