FCBARCELONA.CAT

12.01.2009 13:36

Opening up the gap

Anna Segura

Game by game Barça are opening up the gap over the side in second spot. With just one game to go before the halfway point in the season, the Catalans are 12 points ahead of nearest rivals Real Madrid.

Since Barça first topped the table after nine League games, Guardiola’s men have set a fearsome pace and their pursuers are finding it hard to keep up.

Close at first

Barcelona first went top at the start of November and have stayed there ever since. Even though initially Villarreal remained close at just one point off the pace, after the 11th round of matches Barça had increased their lead to three points.

Big gap

Then gradually Barça started to open up a big gap and in just four games (from matchday 13 to 16) they increased their lead from four to ten points.

A week ago Barça led Valencia by 11 points, while now they are 12 ahead of Real Madrid in second spot and Seville in third place.

Biggest lead

After 18 games and with one to go before the halfway point in the season, Barça now have their biggest lead so far at 12 ahead of Real Madrid.

Crucial games against nearest rivals

One of the reasons why Barça are so far ahead is the run of four games against other title contenders played in November and December. Barça beat Seville ( 0-3 ), Valencia ( 4-0 ), Real Madrid ( 2-0 ) and Villarreal ( 1-2 ) to increase their lead.

Top of the table clashes

Plus Seville, Villarreal, Madrid and Valencia have also been playing each other and this has meant that second place has changed hands several times. Defeats in these games combined with Barça’s wins have helped the Catalans widen the gap over their rivals.