Sevilla beat local rivals Real Betis 2-0 as La Liga returned after three months away on Thursday, becoming the second of Europe's five major leagues to resume following the coronavirus pandemic.&nbsp;

After the Bundesliga in Germany restarted on May 16, La Liga opened its doors again to players but not supporters at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan, where the usually vibrant Seville derby was played in front of empty stands.&nbsp;

The game was the first in Spain's top flight since March 10 but 93 days later another professional fixture has been completed without incident, offering further encouragement to the Premier League in England and Serie A in Italy.&nbsp;Both are set to return next week.

Lucas Ocampos gave Sevilla the lead from a 56th-minute penalty and Fernando Reges then added the second goal for the home side, who are third in the table.

This was the first leg of a 39-day sprint to the finish in La Liga, that will see teams playing every three days for five and a half weeks and undergoing stern examinations of their fitness.

Both coaches made use of their new allocation of five substitutes and there was a drinks breaks in each half but the contest lost its fluency late on, in part because Betis never looked like staging a comeback.&nbsp;

Victory strengthens Sevilla's hold on third place as they move four points above Getafe and Real Sociedad below them. Betis sit 12th and face the possibility of being dragged into a relegation battle.&nbsp;

This was as far from a typical Seville derby as could be imagined, a pale shadow of the division's most heated fixture and a clear demonstration of what has been sacrificed to keep the season going.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

<h2>- Virtual supporters -</h2>

&nbsp;

"I always believed we would play again," said La Liga president Javier Tebas, who had also indicated on Thursday that "10 or 15 per cent" of fans could attend stadiums before the season finishes on July 19.&nbsp;

For now though, stands remain empty, the voices of the players and coaches audible and the atmosphere strange. On television, fans at home had the option to add virtual supporters taken from the computer game FIFA, as well as chanting, which ebbed and flowed according to the action.&nbsp;

When the excellent Ocampos and Fernando scored, there was cheering, and when substitutes came and went, there was applause.&nbsp;

Earlier, the players had arrived wearing masks and gloves and their temperatures were taken before entering the stadium. Outside, around 200 supporters had come to greet the team buses but they dispersed shortly after, with 600 police and security personnel in attendance to prevent mass gatherings.&nbsp;

"No fans allowed but we're here and we can't wait," shouted a 60-year-old supporter in a Sevilla shirt.&nbsp;

There was a minute of silence held before kick-off in memory of the victims of the pandemic, with the players standing at a distance from each other around the centre circle. In the 20th minute, there was applause to pay tribute to those working on the front line.&nbsp;

In the stands, the substitutes, still wearing masks, sat spread out in the rows behind their coaches and Sevilla's were among the few celebrating when the goals flew in shortly after half-tiime.&nbsp;

They were comfortable winners as Ocampos scored a penalty after Marc Bartra was ajudged to have pushed Luuk de Jong and, six minutes later, a delightful Ocampos flick at the near post allowed Fernando to head in a second.&nbsp;

Sevilla beat local rivals Real Betis 2-0 as La Liga returned after three months away on Thursday, becoming the second of Europe's five major leagues to resume following the coronavirus pandemic.

Sevilla beat local rivals Real Betis 2-0 as La Liga returned after three months away on Thursday, becoming the second of Europe's five major leagues to resume following the coronavirus pandemic. After the Bundesliga in Germany restarted on May 16, La Liga opened its doors again to players but not supporters at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan, where the usually vibrant Seville derby was played in front of empty stands. The game was the first in Spain's top flight since March 10 but 93 days later another professional fixture has been completed without incident, offering further encouragement to the Premier League in England and Serie A in Italy. Both are set to return next week. Lucas Ocampos gave Sevilla the lead from a 56th-minute penalty and Fernando Reges then added the second goal for the home side, who are third in the table. This was the first leg of a 39-day sprint to the finish in La Liga, that will see teams playing every three days for five and a half weeks and undergoing stern examinations of their fitness. Both coaches made use of their new allocation of five substitutes and there was a drinks breaks in each half but the contest lost its fluency late on, in part because Betis never looked like staging a comeback. Victory strengthens Sevilla's hold on third place as they move four points above Getafe and Real Sociedad below them. Betis sit 12th and face the possibility of being dragged into a relegation battle. This was as far from a typical Seville derby as could be imagined, a pale shadow of the division's most heated fixture and a clear demonstration of what has been sacrificed to keep the season going. - Virtual supporters - "I always believed we would play again," said La Liga president Javier Tebas, who had also indicated on Thursday that "10 or 15 per cent" of fans could attend stadiums before the season finishes on July 19. For now though, stands remain empty, the voices of the players and coaches audible and the atmosphere strange. On television, fans at home had the option to add virtual supporters taken from the computer game FIFA, as well as chanting, which ebbed and flowed according to the action. When the excellent Ocampos and Fernando scored, there was cheering, and when substitutes came and went, there was applause. Earlier, the players had arrived wearing masks and gloves and their temperatures were taken before entering the stadium. Outside, around 200 supporters had come to greet the team buses but they dispersed shortly after, with 600 police and security personnel in attendance to prevent mass gatherings. "No fans allowed but we're here and we can't wait," shouted a 60-year-old supporter in a Sevilla shirt. There was a minute of silence held before kick-off in memory of the victims of the pandemic, with the players standing at a distance from each other around the centre circle. In the 20th minute, there was applause to pay tribute to those working on the front line. In the stands, the substitutes, still wearing masks, sat spread out in the rows behind their coaches and Sevilla's were among the few celebrating when the goals flew in shortly after half-tiime. They were comfortable winners as Ocampos scored a penalty after Marc Bartra was ajudged to have pushed Luuk de Jong and, six minutes later, a delightful Ocampos flick at the near post allowed Fernando to head in a second.

La Liga resumes after three months away as Sevilla defeat Betis

Barcelona and Real Madrid resume one of the tightest title races in recent memory when La Liga kicks back into action this week in empty stadiums, after a three-month pause due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Just before the season was postponed on March 10, former Real great Jorge Valdano had likened the two teams’ inconsistent form to a race between two limping men, but both sides are set to be refreshed and stronger after the long break.

Barca are boosted by the return of Luis Suarez from a knee injury that looked set to rule him out for the season, and his aggression and power should help them ease their problems in breaking down sides.

Real will again enjoy the services of Eden Hazard after he was sidelined with a fractured ankle in February. Also back is Spain forward Marcos Asensio, who should ease the burden on Karim Benzema, their runaway leading scorer with 14 strikes.

Barca, targeting a third consecutive Spanish title, led Real by two points when the season was postponed.

The break has also given their ageing squad some much-needed rest, while the extra time on the training ground should help them further adapt to the ideas of coach Quique Setien, who succeeded Ernesto Valverde in January.

With no fans allowed into venues and Real playing their home games at the 6,000-capacity Alfredo Di Stefano stadium while the Santiago Bernabeu is being refurbished, it will be a title race unlike any other.

“We will miss that boost and support you get from the crowd, who have a huge influence,” said Setien.

Barca have a slightly more comfortable run-in in their remaining 11 fixtures in the space of five weeks, with home games against Athletic Bilbao and Atletico Madrid plus trips to Sevilla and Villarreal looking like their toughest games.

Real, who beat Barca in March only to blow their lead at the top by losing to Real Betis, have five potentially tricky fixtures: Valencia, Getafe and Villarreal at home, plus trips to Real Sociedad and Athletic Bilbao.

Barcelona and Real Madrid resume one of the tightest title races in recent memory when La Liga kicks back into action this week in empty stadiums, after a three-month pause due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Barcelona and Real Madrid resume one of the tightest title races in recent memory when La Liga kicks back into action this week in empty stadiums, after a three-month pause due to the coronavirus pandemic. Just before the season was postponed on March 10, former Real great Jorge Valdano had likened the two teams’ inconsistent form to a race between two limping men, but both sides are set to be refreshed and stronger after the long break. Barca are boosted by the return of Luis Suarez from a knee injury that looked set to rule him out for the season, and his aggression and power should help them ease their problems in breaking down sides. Real will again enjoy the services of Eden Hazard after he was sidelined with a fractured ankle in February. Also back is Spain forward Marcos Asensio, who should ease the burden on Karim Benzema, their runaway leading scorer with 14 strikes. Barca, targeting a third consecutive Spanish title, led Real by two points when the season was postponed. The break has also given their ageing squad some much-needed rest, while the extra time on the training ground should help them further adapt to the ideas of coach Quique Setien, who succeeded Ernesto Valverde in January. With no fans allowed into venues and Real playing their home games at the 6,000-capacity Alfredo Di Stefano stadium while the Santiago Bernabeu is being refurbished, it will be a title race unlike any other. “We will miss that boost and support you get from the crowd, who have a huge influence,” said Setien. Barca have a slightly more comfortable run-in in their remaining 11 fixtures in the space of five weeks, with home games against Athletic Bilbao and Atletico Madrid plus trips to Sevilla and Villarreal looking like their toughest games. Real, who beat Barca in March only to blow their lead at the top by losing to Real Betis, have five potentially tricky fixtures: Valencia, Getafe and Villarreal at home, plus trips to Real Sociedad and Athletic Bilbao.

Barcelona and Real Madrid renew close-run title race

La Liga will use virtual images of stands in television broadcasts with added ‘fan audio’, produced by the makers of the FIFA video game, when it returns to action on Thursday.

Domestic broadcasters in Spain will offer their viewers the choice of a ‘natural’ broadcast of games played behind closed doors with no fans but the international audience will receive only the enhanced broadcasts with added audio and graphics.

La Liga said in a statement on Sunday that the use of technology “will allow matches to be seen in an attractive way that closely resembles how they looked and sounded before the competition was postponed.”

The stands will be “virtualised” and will offer to-scale images of seated fans wearing the home club’s colours. La Liga collaborated with Norwegian company VIZRT on the technology.

“In moments when the game is stopped, this image of fans can be transformed into a canvas that matches the colour of the home team and will carry institutional messages among other offerings,” added the league.

The virtual sound has been developed with video game company EA SPORTS FIFA, in a project called Sounds of the Stands.

“Through this, the audio library of LaLiga official sponsor EA, which was recorded in real stadiums, has been used and has been digitally adapted so that it can be implemented in real time during the match,” said the statement.

“It will be adapted to the flow of the game as certain situations occur, such as a goal or a foul, creating what is known as Atmospheric Audio.”

Barcelona lead the table by two points over Real Madrid with 11 rounds of matches left, after the season was paused in March due to the novel coronavirus pandemic, and the two rivals are braced for one of the tightest title races in recent memory.

The fight for Champions League football is even closer, with at least five teams vying for third and fourth place.

The restart begins with Thursday’s derby between Sevilla and Real Betis, while champions Barcelona visit Real Mallorca on Saturday and Real Madrid host Eibar on Sunday.

“We have made these broadcasting changes so fans can enjoy LaLiga,” said the legaue’s President Javier Tebas.

“We work with global partners to offer a great viewer experience. We are in an exceptional situation, but for us it has been important to be able to adapt and offer a compelling, cutting-edge broadcast to our fans,” he added.

La Liga will use virtual images of stands in television broadcasts with added ‘fan audio’, produced by the makers of the FIFA video game, when it returns to action on Thursday.

La Liga will use virtual images of stands in television broadcasts with added ‘fan audio’, produced by the makers of the FIFA video game, when it returns to action on Thursday. Domestic broadcasters in Spain will offer their viewers the choice of a ‘natural’ broadcast of games played behind closed doors with no fans but the international audience will receive only the enhanced broadcasts with added audio and graphics. La Liga said in a statement on Sunday that the use of technology “will allow matches to be seen in an attractive way that closely resembles how they looked and sounded before the competition was postponed.” The stands will be “virtualised” and will offer to-scale images of seated fans wearing the home club’s colours. La Liga collaborated with Norwegian company VIZRT on the technology. “In moments when the game is stopped, this image of fans can be transformed into a canvas that matches the colour of the home team and will carry institutional messages among other offerings,” added the league. The virtual sound has been developed with video game company EA SPORTS FIFA, in a project called Sounds of the Stands. “Through this, the audio library of LaLiga official sponsor EA, which was recorded in real stadiums, has been used and has been digitally adapted so that it can be implemented in real time during the match,” said the statement. “It will be adapted to the flow of the game as certain situations occur, such as a goal or a foul, creating what is known as Atmospheric Audio.” Barcelona lead the table by two points over Real Madrid with 11 rounds of matches left, after the season was paused in March due to the novel coronavirus pandemic, and the two rivals are braced for one of the tightest title races in recent memory. The fight for Champions League football is even closer, with at least five teams vying for third and fourth place. The restart begins with Thursday’s derby between Sevilla and Real Betis, while champions Barcelona visit Real Mallorca on Saturday and Real Madrid host Eibar on Sunday. “We have made these broadcasting changes so fans can enjoy LaLiga,” said the legaue’s President Javier Tebas. “We work with global partners to offer a great viewer experience. We are in an exceptional situation, but for us it has been important to be able to adapt and offer a compelling, cutting-edge broadcast to our fans,” he added.

La Liga to use 'virtual' stands and audio for broadcasts

La Liga president Javier Tebas said Spanish football's return will allow people to feel a sense of normality again but it may also serve as a reminder of an uncomfortable new reality.&nbsp;

Spain's top division is set to restart on June 11 and to be completed on July 19, yet the expectation is players will be subjected to safety protocol for several months and stadiums will not be full again until next year.&nbsp;

In the short-term at least, its reemergence could offer some comfort. "There is no doubt the resumption of football will contribute to a general sense of relief among certain groups of people, who have been struggling with the pandemic," David Moscoso, a specialist in sports sociology, told AFP.&nbsp;

"The return of football is a sign that society is progressing to the new normal," agreed Tebas earlier this month, adding "it will restore a part of life that people in Spain know and love."&nbsp;

Spain has managed to bring the number of infections under control in recent weeks, with the government reporting no deaths from coronavirus on Monday for the first time since the beginning of March.&nbsp;

But with more than 27,000 confirmed fatalities, the country has been one of the worst-hit in the world and it is no surprise the approach to football's return has been cautious and the attitude of some fearful.&nbsp;

"It is possible that by losing the passion and intensity, which is really the essence of football, it will also lose that emotional centre that is the hook for so many people," said psychologist Adelaida Navaridas.&nbsp;

Many are adamant that, without fans, the campaign should not resume at all.&nbsp;

"We understand we cannot go to the stadium due to the risk of infection," said Joseba Combarro, president of the Eskozia La Brava, the most significant supporters' club at Eibar, whose squad members have expressed reservations about playing too soon.&nbsp;

"But the players share the same risk as the fans, the risk is for everyone. The league should be suspended."&nbsp;

<h2>- 'Social heart' -</h2>

It is not only the atmosphere inside stadiums that will be lost.&nbsp;

"The social heart of football comes from people getting ready for the game with friends, with family, and then staying together afterwards. All that is broken," adds Guillermo Fouce, a professor of psychology at Madrid's Complutense University.&nbsp;

"But between having it back at 100 per cent or nothing at all is something in between that helps us to adapt. I think it's still better to move closer to what was normal before."

La Liga have been eager to point to the economic benefits too, for people's jobs and livelihoods.&nbsp;

"Football's return means the revival of a very relevant economic sector," said Tebas.&nbsp;

"It contributes 1.37 per cent of GDP and generates 185,000 jobs at a time when the economic situation is already the main concern."&nbsp;

"It is the primary service export industry in our country," adds Moscoso. "It's economic role is self-evident."&nbsp;

Television companies like Movistar, the biggest broadcaster of games in Spain, have also been promoting the idea that football's revival amounts to progress.&nbsp;

Every Sunday night this month, Movistar has hosted a programme called "Volver Es Ganar", "To Return is To Win", a slogan that has also been carried by players and clubs alike.&nbsp;

First and foremost, the game is coming back because of its own financial needs, with Tebas admitting clubs stood to lose around 1 billion euros ($1.1 billion) if the season was cancelled.

Fans will have football again but, for a while at least, in a very different way to before.

"Perhaps we have to consider that our new normal is going to be different," Fouce said. "That nothing is going to be exactly the same as before."

La Liga president Javier Tebas said Spanish football's return will allow people to feel a sense of normality again but it may also serve as a reminder of an uncomfortable new reality.

La Liga president Javier Tebas said Spanish football's return will allow people to feel a sense of normality again but it may also serve as a reminder of an uncomfortable new reality. Spain's top division is set to restart on June 11 and to be completed on July 19, yet the expectation is players will be subjected to safety protocol for several months and stadiums will not be full again until next year. In the short-term at least, its reemergence could offer some comfort. "There is no doubt the resumption of football will contribute to a general sense of relief among certain groups of people, who have been struggling with the pandemic," David Moscoso, a specialist in sports sociology, told AFP. "The return of football is a sign that society is progressing to the new normal," agreed Tebas earlier this month, adding "it will restore a part of life that people in Spain know and love." Spain has managed to bring the number of infections under control in recent weeks, with the government reporting no deaths from coronavirus on Monday for the first time since the beginning of March. But with more than 27,000 confirmed fatalities, the country has been one of the worst-hit in the world and it is no surprise the approach to football's return has been cautious and the attitude of some fearful. "It is possible that by losing the passion and intensity, which is really the essence of football, it will also lose that emotional centre that is the hook for so many people," said psychologist Adelaida Navaridas. Many are adamant that, without fans, the campaign should not resume at all. "We understand we cannot go to the stadium due to the risk of infection," said Joseba Combarro, president of the Eskozia La Brava, the most significant supporters' club at Eibar, whose squad members have expressed reservations about playing too soon. "But the players share the same risk as the fans, the risk is for everyone. The league should be suspended." - 'Social heart' - It is not only the atmosphere inside stadiums that will be lost. "The social heart of football comes from people getting ready for the game with friends, with family, and then staying together afterwards. All that is broken," adds Guillermo Fouce, a professor of psychology at Madrid's Complutense University. "But between having it back at 100 per cent or nothing at all is something in between that helps us to adapt. I think it's still better to move closer to what was normal before." La Liga have been eager to point to the economic benefits too, for people's jobs and livelihoods. "Football's return means the revival of a very relevant economic sector," said Tebas. "It contributes 1.37 per cent of GDP and generates 185,000 jobs at a time when the economic situation is already the main concern." "It is the primary service export industry in our country," adds Moscoso. "It's economic role is self-evident." Television companies like Movistar, the biggest broadcaster of games in Spain, have also been promoting the idea that football's revival amounts to progress. Every Sunday night this month, Movistar has hosted a programme called "Volver Es Ganar", "To Return is To Win", a slogan that has also been carried by players and clubs alike. First and foremost, the game is coming back because of its own financial needs, with Tebas admitting clubs stood to lose around 1 billion euros ($1.1 billion) if the season was cancelled. Fans will have football again but, for a while at least, in a very different way to before. "Perhaps we have to consider that our new normal is going to be different," Fouce said. "That nothing is going to be exactly the same as before."

La Liga's new reality to bring optimism, discomfort

La Liga resumes on June 11 after a three-month absence due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Real Madrid and Barcelona have been unable to pull away from each other at the top of the table while Atletico Madrid are involved in what looks like a four-way fight for Champions League qualification.

AFP Sport takes a look at some key issues ahead of the run-in.

<h2>Turbulent title race</h2>

When Real Madrid beat Barcelona 2-0 at the Santiago Bernabeu on March 1, it seemed they had halted a dip in form and seized control of the title race.&nbsp;

But a week later, they handed the initiative back as Barca regained first place by beating Real Sociedad and Madrid lost away at Real Betis.&nbsp;

A three-month break means a fresh start but Barcelona's two-point lead reflects badly on their challengers, given Barca's own problems off the pitch, including the switch to Quique Setien as coach in January.&nbsp;

Both sides' imperfections mean there will be more slip-ups to come but if this Barca make it five league titles in six years, Madrid will only have themselves to blame.

<h2>Unfamiliar homes</h2>

Real Madrid have been given permission by La Liga to play their remaining home games at the Alfredo di Stefano Stadium at their training ground to allow planned construction work to go ahead at the Santiago Bernabeu this summer.&nbsp;

With games being held behind closed doors there would have been little advantage to playing at their usual home and the players might even be better off avoiding an empty 81,000-seater stadium that they are used to being almost full.&nbsp;

<h2>Unexpected returns</h2>

Neither Eden Hazard nor Luis Suarez expected to play much, or perhaps any, part in the run-in after Hazard underwent surgery on a broken foot in March and Suarez had an operation on his right knee in January.&nbsp;

The break has allowed both players to recover and the question now is whether either can find peak form and fitness in time to make an impact in the remaining 11 games.&nbsp;

Suarez's return could be particularly helpful for Barcelona but Setien has said the Uruguayan, who has often taken time to regain sharpness, is not yet ready.&nbsp;

Real Madrid's Hazard, plagued by injuries in recent months, has had a nightmare first year in Spain but has an unexpected chance to turn things around.&nbsp;

<h2>Fight for Atletico</h2>

Atletico Madrid's momentous win over Liverpool in the Champions League offered Diego Simeone some relief after what has been a disappointing season in La Liga.&nbsp;

His team sit sixth in the table, having long fallen out of the reckoning for the title and facing a fight even to make the top four.&nbsp;

Ahead of them between fifth and third are Getafe, Real Sociedad and Sevilla, and with only two points between the four, Atletico could &nbsp;still scrape in.&nbsp;

But the resilient Getafe and free-flowing Real will both be eager to finish off brilliant campaigns while Sevilla appeared to be hitting their stride before games were suspended.&nbsp;

Atletico cannot afford to be complacent.&nbsp;

<h2>Pressure at the bottom</h2>

At the other end of the table, Espanyol look doomed, sitting in last place, six points adrift of safety. Leganes, who still have to play away at Barcelona before hosting Real Madrid on the final day, are only three points better off.&nbsp;

One point then separates Mallorca, Celta Vigo and Eibar, whose players have expressed concerns about the safety of football returning too quickly. Real Valladolid in 15th have a four-point cushion over the bottom three but two wins in their last 10 games suggests they could easily be pulled in too.

The economic hit from the coronavirus pandemic means the stakes are even higher for these clubs, as they battle to avoid the considerable financial blow of relegation. For all of them, the pressure is on.

La Liga resumes on June 11 after a three-month absence due to the coronavirus pandemic. Real Madrid and Barcelona have been unable to pull away from each other at the top of the table while Atletico Madrid are involved in what looks like a four-way fight for Champions League qualification.

La Liga resumes on June 11 after a three-month absence due to the coronavirus pandemic. Real Madrid and Barcelona have been unable to pull away from each other at the top of the table while Atletico Madrid are involved in what looks like a four-way fight for Champions League qualification. AFP Sport takes a look at some key issues ahead of the run-in. Turbulent title race When Real Madrid beat Barcelona 2-0 at the Santiago Bernabeu on March 1, it seemed they had halted a dip in form and seized control of the title race. But a week later, they handed the initiative back as Barca regained first place by beating Real Sociedad and Madrid lost away at Real Betis. A three-month break means a fresh start but Barcelona's two-point lead reflects badly on their challengers, given Barca's own problems off the pitch, including the switch to Quique Setien as coach in January. Both sides' imperfections mean there will be more slip-ups to come but if this Barca make it five league titles in six years, Madrid will only have themselves to blame. Unfamiliar homes Real Madrid have been given permission by La Liga to play their remaining home games at the Alfredo di Stefano Stadium at their training ground to allow planned construction work to go ahead at the Santiago Bernabeu this summer. With games being held behind closed doors there would have been little advantage to playing at their usual home and the players might even be better off avoiding an empty 81,000-seater stadium that they are used to being almost full. Unexpected returns Neither Eden Hazard nor Luis Suarez expected to play much, or perhaps any, part in the run-in after Hazard underwent surgery on a broken foot in March and Suarez had an operation on his right knee in January. The break has allowed both players to recover and the question now is whether either can find peak form and fitness in time to make an impact in the remaining 11 games. Suarez's return could be particularly helpful for Barcelona but Setien has said the Uruguayan, who has often taken time to regain sharpness, is not yet ready. Real Madrid's Hazard, plagued by injuries in recent months, has had a nightmare first year in Spain but has an unexpected chance to turn things around. Fight for Atletico Atletico Madrid's momentous win over Liverpool in the Champions League offered Diego Simeone some relief after what has been a disappointing season in La Liga. His team sit sixth in the table, having long fallen out of the reckoning for the title and facing a fight even to make the top four. Ahead of them between fifth and third are Getafe, Real Sociedad and Sevilla, and with only two points between the four, Atletico could still scrape in. But the resilient Getafe and free-flowing Real will both be eager to finish off brilliant campaigns while Sevilla appeared to be hitting their stride before games were suspended. Atletico cannot afford to be complacent. Pressure at the bottom At the other end of the table, Espanyol look doomed, sitting in last place, six points adrift of safety. Leganes, who still have to play away at Barcelona before hosting Real Madrid on the final day, are only three points better off. One point then separates Mallorca, Celta Vigo and Eibar, whose players have expressed concerns about the safety of football returning too quickly. Real Valladolid in 15th have a four-point cushion over the bottom three but two wins in their last 10 games suggests they could easily be pulled in too. The economic hit from the coronavirus pandemic means the stakes are even higher for these clubs, as they battle to avoid the considerable financial blow of relegation. For all of them, the pressure is on.

The return of La Liga: What's at stake?

Barcelona and Argentina skipper Lionel Messi said that he is looking forward to playing in La Liga again, but the playing behind closed doors is "weird". Also read: Bayern's Mueller turns on charm in English as Bundesliga woos world Lionel Messi had resumed training with Barcelona after weeks of coronavirus lockdown in Spain that forced him to stay at home.

Barcelona and Argentina skipper Lionel Messi said that he is looking forward to playing in La Liga again, but the playing behind closed doors is "weird". Also read: Bayern's Mueller turns on charm in English as Bundesliga woos world Lionel Messi had resumed training with Barcelona after weeks of coronavirus lockdown in Spain that forced him to stay at home. La Liga is set to resume on June 12. Also read: Lifting Premier League trophy in empty stadium would be 'strange', says Henderson "We cannot think about what we are leaving behind this year. It is better to think about the future," said Messi on the website of sports brand Adidas. Football isn't ready. pic.twitter.com/4nmNnqJErr — FC Barcelona (from 🏠) (@FCBarcelona) May 26, 2020 × "Like going back to day-to-day training, seeing your teammates, playing your first few games. No doubt it will be strange at first, but I am looking forward to competing again! He said playing behind closed doors with no one to cheer "implies a series of challenges. The preparation at squad level is the same as for any other match, but it is true that individually you have to train and get mentally prepared to play without people because it is very weird." "It will be like starting over," he said. "Technically it will be the same season, but I think all teams and players will experience it differently." The six-time Ballon d'Or winner was ready to lead Argentina in this year's Copa America that is hosted by Colombia, but due to the coronavirus pandemic, the competition was postponed in march and now will take place in June and July next year. "Postponing the Copa America was a huge disappointment, but of course it was reasonable and most logical," Messi said. "The Copa was going to be a big event for me this year and I was looking forward to playing in it again," he said. "It was hard when I heard about the postponement, but I understood it perfectly," he said. (Inputs from an agency)

Lionel Messi awaits La Liga but also concerned about playing without fans

La Liga president Javier Tebas said Sunday he hopes the resumed season will start on June 11 with the Seville derby, "one game for all of Spain".

"It is possible that on Thursday, June 11, we could have the first Liga game," Tebas told Movistar Plus television.&nbsp;

"We would like it to be the Seville derby -- Real Betis v Sevilla -- at 2200 (2000 GMT).

"It would be our hope to have a single league game" that day so that the teams "play exclusively for all of Spain, almost as a tribute and to what has happened."

Tebas confirmed that in the next few days there will be an official announcement concerning the restart date of the championship which was shelved in March because of the coronavirus.

"But what is certain is that it will be the weekend of the 12th."

On Saturday, Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced that La Liga could resume from its lockdown in the week beginning June 8.

All matches will be behind closed doors.

"The resumption of major professional sporting competitions and in particular La Liga will be allowed from the week of June 8," Sanchez told a press conference.

More than two months after the COVID-19 pandemic halted the season in Spain, players have begun training in small groups.

Barcelona sit top of the table, two points ahead of Real Madrid.

Clubs have 11 games left to play to finish the season, with the proposed final round to be completed by the end of July.&nbsp;

Despite the optimism for a season restart, Tebas insisted that fans should still be wary of the dangers posed by the pandemic.

"We must not run, we have to be very cautious," he added.

A compressed calendar would mean teams playing matches both in midweek and at weekends.

Players will also undergo tests for coronavirus the day before games and will have their temperatures taken before being allowed to enter stadiums.

La Liga's staggered training programme meant players began working individually at training grounds on May 4 and were able to expand into groups of up to 10 players this week.

The top flight was first suspended on March 12, the same day Real Madrid went into quarantine following the positive test of one of the club's basketball players.

But Tebas has been adamant the league must restart, having estimated that a cancellation of the season would cost clubs around one billion euros ($1.09 billion).

La Liga president Javier Tebas said Sunday he hopes the resumed season will start on June 11 with the Seville derby, "one game for all of Spain". "It is possible that on Thursday, June 11, we could have the first Liga game," Tebas told Movistar Plus television.

La Liga president Javier Tebas said Sunday he hopes the resumed season will start on June 11 with the Seville derby, "one game for all of Spain". "It is possible that on Thursday, June 11, we could have the first Liga game," Tebas told Movistar Plus television. "We would like it to be the Seville derby -- Real Betis v Sevilla -- at 2200 (2000 GMT). "It would be our hope to have a single league game" that day so that the teams "play exclusively for all of Spain, almost as a tribute and to what has happened." Tebas confirmed that in the next few days there will be an official announcement concerning the restart date of the championship which was shelved in March because of the coronavirus. "But what is certain is that it will be the weekend of the 12th." On Saturday, Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced that La Liga could resume from its lockdown in the week beginning June 8. All matches will be behind closed doors. "The resumption of major professional sporting competitions and in particular La Liga will be allowed from the week of June 8," Sanchez told a press conference. More than two months after the COVID-19 pandemic halted the season in Spain, players have begun training in small groups. Barcelona sit top of the table, two points ahead of Real Madrid. Clubs have 11 games left to play to finish the season, with the proposed final round to be completed by the end of July. Despite the optimism for a season restart, Tebas insisted that fans should still be wary of the dangers posed by the pandemic. "We must not run, we have to be very cautious," he added. A compressed calendar would mean teams playing matches both in midweek and at weekends. Players will also undergo tests for coronavirus the day before games and will have their temperatures taken before being allowed to enter stadiums. La Liga's staggered training programme meant players began working individually at training grounds on May 4 and were able to expand into groups of up to 10 players this week. The top flight was first suspended on March 12, the same day Real Madrid went into quarantine following the positive test of one of the club's basketball players. But Tebas has been adamant the league must restart, having estimated that a cancellation of the season would cost clubs around one billion euros ($1.09 billion).

Liga boss wants June 11 Seville derby to restart season

La Liga's proposed restart next month has left fans juggling the excitement of football's return and the disappointment it will resume without them.&nbsp;

More than two months after the coronavirus pandemic halted the season in Spain, players have begun training in small groups as they aim to be as ready as possible for the planned reboot on June 12.&nbsp;

Yet goals, saves and tackles will all be greeted by silence or at best, artificial cheers approved by authorities to be pumped out of a sound system.&nbsp;

Even for Sevilla against Real Betis, the usually-heart thumping Andalusian derby that encapsulates the importance of supporters more than any other Spanish fixture, the atmosphere will be non-existent on the first weekend back.

But for clubs, there is a financial necessity given La Liga president Javier Tebas has estimated cancelling the season could cost them 1 billion euros ($1.08 billion).&nbsp;

"People need their dose of football," Adolfo Barbero, a commentator on Movistar, Spain's primary football broadcaster, told AFP.&nbsp;

"There is that want for fans to go to matches but for many now, the priority is to play. They want to see 22 guys, a ball and a green pitch, the rest will be for afterwards."&nbsp;

For fans, there is an acceptance that the sport returning in muted form is better than it not coming back at all.&nbsp;

"We understand that football without fans is not the football we want," says Jose Manuel Mateo, president of Aficiones Unidas, an association of fans from different clubs.&nbsp;

"But given the exceptional nature of the situation, we have no choice but to accept it."&nbsp;

"I don't think football can afford just to wait or stand still until there is a vaccine, which guarantees safety," Mateo added.&nbsp;

According to La Liga, playing without fans is not without cost too as clubs surrender considerable sums in matchday revenue.&nbsp;

But finishing the remaining 11 rounds of the season and completing European competitions would limit losses to around 303 million euros, a third of the figure contemplated for cancellation.&nbsp;

<h2>- 'Without fans it's not football' -</h2>

Resumption allows players to return to work and staff too, many of whom have had their wages cut in recent weeks.&nbsp;

"Many families also depend on football for income, it's not only the players," Mateo said.&nbsp;

Playing the last eleven days of the league "behind closed doors is a way to save the season," admits Gerardo Tocino, president of the Real Madrid fans' club, La Gran Familia.&nbsp;

"Those of us who really feel the colours of a club, what we seek is the best for the team, even if that means seeing your players through a screen."

But for others, sacrificing supporters was a solution found too easily and the worry is that over the coming weeks and months, the game will find ways to adapt.&nbsp;

Instead of being missed, fans could feel less needed than ever.&nbsp;

"Without fans in the stands it's not football, it's reality TV or televised training, but not football," says Emilio Abejon, secretary general of the Federation of Spanish Soccer Shareholders and Partners (FASFE).&nbsp;

"The country is allowing tourism to stop, which is the biggest business in Spain, but not football."&nbsp;

Abejon, a fan of Atletico Madrid, points out that a significant part of the 1.3 per cent contribution football makes to Spain's GDP is "the business around football like bars, restaurants, shops", all of which will remain closed.&nbsp;

"If football cannot return under reasonable conditions, which we believe to be with people in the stands, it should not return at all," said Abejon.&nbsp;

Joseba Combarro, president of the Eskozia La Brava, the most important supporters' club in Eibar, says the only option should have been cancellation.&nbsp;

"We understand we cannot go to the stadium due to the risk of infection," said Combarro. "But the players share the same risk as the fans, the risk is for everyone. The league should be suspended."&nbsp;

La Liga's proposed restart next month has left fans juggling the excitement of football's return and the disappointment it will resume without them. More than two months after the coronavirus pandemic halted the season in Spain, players have begun training in small groups as they aim to be as ready as possible for the planned reboot on June 12.

La Liga's proposed restart next month has left fans juggling the excitement of football's return and the disappointment it will resume without them. More than two months after the coronavirus pandemic halted the season in Spain, players have begun training in small groups as they aim to be as ready as possible for the planned reboot on June 12. Yet goals, saves and tackles will all be greeted by silence or at best, artificial cheers approved by authorities to be pumped out of a sound system. Even for Sevilla against Real Betis, the usually-heart thumping Andalusian derby that encapsulates the importance of supporters more than any other Spanish fixture, the atmosphere will be non-existent on the first weekend back. But for clubs, there is a financial necessity given La Liga president Javier Tebas has estimated cancelling the season could cost them 1 billion euros ($1.08 billion). "People need their dose of football," Adolfo Barbero, a commentator on Movistar, Spain's primary football broadcaster, told AFP. "There is that want for fans to go to matches but for many now, the priority is to play. They want to see 22 guys, a ball and a green pitch, the rest will be for afterwards." For fans, there is an acceptance that the sport returning in muted form is better than it not coming back at all. "We understand that football without fans is not the football we want," says Jose Manuel Mateo, president of Aficiones Unidas, an association of fans from different clubs. "But given the exceptional nature of the situation, we have no choice but to accept it." "I don't think football can afford just to wait or stand still until there is a vaccine, which guarantees safety," Mateo added. According to La Liga, playing without fans is not without cost too as clubs surrender considerable sums in matchday revenue. But finishing the remaining 11 rounds of the season and completing European competitions would limit losses to around 303 million euros, a third of the figure contemplated for cancellation. - 'Without fans it's not football' - Resumption allows players to return to work and staff too, many of whom have had their wages cut in recent weeks. "Many families also depend on football for income, it's not only the players," Mateo said. Playing the last eleven days of the league "behind closed doors is a way to save the season," admits Gerardo Tocino, president of the Real Madrid fans' club, La Gran Familia. "Those of us who really feel the colours of a club, what we seek is the best for the team, even if that means seeing your players through a screen." But for others, sacrificing supporters was a solution found too easily and the worry is that over the coming weeks and months, the game will find ways to adapt. Instead of being missed, fans could feel less needed than ever. "Without fans in the stands it's not football, it's reality TV or televised training, but not football," says Emilio Abejon, secretary general of the Federation of Spanish Soccer Shareholders and Partners (FASFE). "The country is allowing tourism to stop, which is the biggest business in Spain, but not football." Abejon, a fan of Atletico Madrid, points out that a significant part of the 1.3 per cent contribution football makes to Spain's GDP is "the business around football like bars, restaurants, shops", all of which will remain closed. "If football cannot return under reasonable conditions, which we believe to be with people in the stands, it should not return at all," said Abejon. Joseba Combarro, president of the Eskozia La Brava, the most important supporters' club in Eibar, says the only option should have been cancellation. "We understand we cannot go to the stadium due to the risk of infection," said Combarro. "But the players share the same risk as the fans, the risk is for everyone. The league should be suspended."

Fans torn as Spanish football prepares to begin recovery without them

Lionel Messi says he is comfortable with footballers returning to play again as La Liga prepares to restart the season in Spain next month.

La Liga president Javier Tebas has circled June 12 as the ideal date for matches to resume.

Barcelona sit top of the table, two points ahead of Real Madrid.

Players in Spain have started working individually at training grounds as part of a strict and staggered programme, with five players already put into quarantine after testing positive for coronavirus.

"The risk of contagion is everywhere," Messi said in an interview with Mundo Deportivo, published on Friday.

"When you leave the house the risk is already there, so I think you can't think about it too much because otherwise you'll not want to go out anywhere.

"But we also understand it is essential to comply with protocols and take all the possible measures of prevention. Going back to training is a first step but we shouldn't get complacent and we must continue taking all the necessary precautions and assume we have to start playing games but behind closed doors."

Messi also spoke about Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez, whom Barcelona are reportedly keen to sign this summer.

Martinez is viewed as a long-term replacement for the 33-year-old Luis Suarez.

"If I'm honest I'm not sure if there were or are negotiations right now for him, I have no idea," Messi said.

"Lautaro is an impressive striker, especially because I think he is very complete -- he is strong, he dribbles well, he has an eye for goal, he knows how to protect the ball."

Lionel Messi says he is comfortable with footballers returning to play again as La Liga prepares to restart the season in Spain next month. La Liga president Javier Tebas has circled June 12 as the ideal date for matches to resume.

Lionel Messi says he is comfortable with footballers returning to play again as La Liga prepares to restart the season in Spain next month. La Liga president Javier Tebas has circled June 12 as the ideal date for matches to resume. Barcelona sit top of the table, two points ahead of Real Madrid. Players in Spain have started working individually at training grounds as part of a strict and staggered programme, with five players already put into quarantine after testing positive for coronavirus. "The risk of contagion is everywhere," Messi said in an interview with Mundo Deportivo, published on Friday. "When you leave the house the risk is already there, so I think you can't think about it too much because otherwise you'll not want to go out anywhere. "But we also understand it is essential to comply with protocols and take all the possible measures of prevention. Going back to training is a first step but we shouldn't get complacent and we must continue taking all the necessary precautions and assume we have to start playing games but behind closed doors." Messi also spoke about Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez, whom Barcelona are reportedly keen to sign this summer. Martinez is viewed as a long-term replacement for the 33-year-old Luis Suarez. "If I'm honest I'm not sure if there were or are negotiations right now for him, I have no idea," Messi said. "Lautaro is an impressive striker, especially because I think he is very complete -- he is strong, he dribbles well, he has an eye for goal, he knows how to protect the ball."

Lionel Messi accepts 'risk' of possible La Liga return

Around five players have tested positive for the novel coronavirus. These players belong to Spain's top two football divisions. The news was confirmed by La Liga.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-to-allow-five-substitutes-during-post-virus-fixture-backlog-297510" hreflang="en">Football to allow five substitutes during post-virus fixture backlog</a>

The players who have been tested positive are all without symptoms and will "resume" training once they test negative.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/umar-akmal-didnt-show-remorse-after-failing-to-report-corrupt-approaches-pcb-disciplinary-panel-head-297501" hreflang="en">Umar Akmal didn’t show remorse after failing to report corrupt approaches: PCB disciplinary panel head</a>

The identity of the players who tested positive and their clubs have not been disclosed as the league intends to keep this information confidential. &nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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Official statement. 
 
Results of medical tests carried out by <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LaLigaSantander?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LaLigaSantander</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LaLigaSmartBank?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LaLigaSmartBank</a> clubs ahead of the return to training. 
 
📝 <a href="https://t.co/NkuTjIROWl">https://t.co/NkuTjIROWl</a> <a href="https://t.co/2NPtGNi9Bs">pic.twitter.com/2NPtGNi9Bs</a>
— LaLiga English (@LaLigaEN) <a href="https://twitter.com/LaLigaEN/status/1259515778879172609?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 10, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The league released a statement which read: "One of the objectives of these medical tests, according to the La Liga’s protocol for returning to training, according to recommendations of the CSD (Supreme Sports Council) and the Ministry of Health, was precisely to detect the denominated or asymptomatic, that is, those people who are infected and that, without presenting symptoms, they can infect other people. In this way, we guarantee everyone’s safety when returning to work according to the occupational risk regulations."

The league has resumed club training for all the teams with certain measures to avoid virus spread. These measures include wearing masks and gloves, testing of temperatures outside premises, and they will not be allowed to change in their dressing rooms.

Around five players have tested positive for the novel coronavirus. These players belong to Spain's top two football divisions. The news was confirmed by La Liga.

Around five players have tested positive for the novel coronavirus. These players belong to Spain's top two football divisions. The news was confirmed by La Liga. Also read: Football to allow five substitutes during post-virus fixture backlog The players who have been tested positive are all without symptoms and will "resume" training once they test negative. Also read: Umar Akmal didn’t show remorse after failing to report corrupt approaches: PCB disciplinary panel head The identity of the players who tested positive and their clubs have not been disclosed as the league intends to keep this information confidential. Official statement. Results of medical tests carried out by #LaLigaSantander and #LaLigaSmartBank clubs ahead of the return to training. 📝 https://t.co/NkuTjIROWl pic.twitter.com/2NPtGNi9Bs — LaLiga English (@LaLigaEN) May 10, 2020 × The league released a statement which read: "One of the objectives of these medical tests, according to the La Liga’s protocol for returning to training, according to recommendations of the CSD (Supreme Sports Council) and the Ministry of Health, was precisely to detect the denominated or asymptomatic, that is, those people who are infected and that, without presenting symptoms, they can infect other people. In this way, we guarantee everyone’s safety when returning to work according to the occupational risk regulations." The league has resumed club training for all the teams with certain measures to avoid virus spread. These measures include wearing masks and gloves, testing of temperatures outside premises, and they will not be allowed to change in their dressing rooms.

Five players test positive for coronavirus across top two Spanish divisions: La Liga

Spanish football authorities on Monday chalked out plans to resume the halted La Liga 2019-20 season in June with clubs getting permission to return to training this week for individual training – two months after the campaign was postponed due to COVID-19 pandemic.&nbsp;

Players, who were restricted to train indoors amid lockdown measures, will begin individual training this week after the Spanish government lifted sports-related measures.&nbsp;

La Liga president Javier Tebas said that the league has a comprehensive protocol to safeguard the health and well-being of everyone involved in the resumption of the season in the month of June.

"People's health is paramount, so we have a comprehensive protocol to safeguard the health of everyone involved as we work to restart La Liga," league president Javier Tebas said in the statement.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/no-spitting-no-fans-baseball-restarts-s-koreas-sports-season-296751" hreflang="en">No spitting, no fans: baseball restarts S. Korea's sports season</a>

"Circumstances are unprecedented, but we hope to start playing again in June and finish our 19/20 season this summer."

<h2>Players allowed to train</h2>

From Tuesday, footballers in Spain will undergo COVID-19 tests and will be allowed to take to the field once the result is out negative.

Earlier, Tebas had said that Spanish first and second-division football could start on May 28-29, June 6-7 or June 28-29 with the possibility of matches happening behind closed doors.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cristiano-ronaldo-returns-to-turin-after-coronavirus-lockdown-296743" hreflang="en">Cristiano Ronaldo returns to Turin after coronavirus lockdown</a>

Meanwhile, Copa Del Rey finalists – Real Sociedad and Athletic Bilbao – issued a joint request to play the summit clash of the tournament in front of fans and the request has received support from the Spanish football federation (RFEF). This would be the first all-Basque final in the history of the competition.

"The desire and will of both clubs have always been, now and before, to play and enjoy the final match along with the supporters," they said in a joint press release. "This is what we would like most. A final to be lived with our supporters in the stands."

The fixture was originally scheduled for April 18 in Seville at the Olympic Stadium, known as La Cartuja. But no new date has been fixed, as of now. 
&nbsp;

Spanish football authorities on Monday chalked out plans to resume the halted La Liga 2019-20 season in June with clubs getting permission to return to training this week for individual training – two months after the campaign was postponed due to COVID-19 pandemic.

Spanish football authorities on Monday chalked out plans to resume the halted La Liga 2019-20 season in June with clubs getting permission to return to training this week for individual training – two months after the campaign was postponed due to COVID-19 pandemic. Players, who were restricted to train indoors amid lockdown measures, will begin individual training this week after the Spanish government lifted sports-related measures. La Liga president Javier Tebas said that the league has a comprehensive protocol to safeguard the health and well-being of everyone involved in the resumption of the season in the month of June. "People's health is paramount, so we have a comprehensive protocol to safeguard the health of everyone involved as we work to restart La Liga," league president Javier Tebas said in the statement. ALSO READ: No spitting, no fans: baseball restarts S. Korea's sports season "Circumstances are unprecedented, but we hope to start playing again in June and finish our 19/20 season this summer." Players allowed to train From Tuesday, footballers in Spain will undergo COVID-19 tests and will be allowed to take to the field once the result is out negative. Earlier, Tebas had said that Spanish first and second-division football could start on May 28-29, June 6-7 or June 28-29 with the possibility of matches happening behind closed doors. ALSO READ: Cristiano Ronaldo returns to Turin after coronavirus lockdown Meanwhile, Copa Del Rey finalists – Real Sociedad and Athletic Bilbao – issued a joint request to play the summit clash of the tournament in front of fans and the request has received support from the Spanish football federation (RFEF). This would be the first all-Basque final in the history of the competition. "The desire and will of both clubs have always been, now and before, to play and enjoy the final match along with the supporters," they said in a joint press release. "This is what we would like most. A final to be lived with our supporters in the stands." The fixture was originally scheduled for April 18 in Seville at the Olympic Stadium, known as La Cartuja. But no new date has been fixed, as of now.

La Liga eyes June return as Real Sociedad, Athletic Bilbao request Copa del Rey final to be played in front of fans

Spain's government has announced professional athletes including La Liga players will be allowed to begin with basic training on May 4. This announcement was made on Tuesday and it comes as the government plans to lift the lockdown.&nbsp;

According to Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, country's lockdown will be lifted in four stages over two months. He said: "The first phase, or phase 0, is the preparation to transition phase or the de-escalation phase, which we are already in."

"In the best-case scenario, this de-escalation phase will take a minimum of six weeks and the maximum duration we want to see is eight weeks for the whole of Spain," he added.

All sporting events including the top-flight football league La Liga were halted on March 12 due to the outbreak of coronavirus pandemic in the country.&nbsp;

The announcement will also allow clubs to restart individual sessions with squad members, La Liga and Spanish Football had agreed to this protocol earlier this month.&nbsp;

The training session comes with some new rules due to the pandemic, players will have to arrive at club's training facility wearing their kit, with gloves and mask on and not more than six players can train on the pitch at the same time.&nbsp;

COVID-19 has claimed nearly 24,000 lives in the country, behind the United States and Italy in mortality rates from the virus.

Spain's government has announced professional athletes including La Liga players will be allowed to begin with basic training on May 4. This announcement was made on Tuesday and it comes as the government plans to lift the lockdown.

Spain's government has announced professional athletes including La Liga players will be allowed to begin with basic training on May 4. This announcement was made on Tuesday and it comes as the government plans to lift the lockdown. According to Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, country's lockdown will be lifted in four stages over two months. He said: "The first phase, or phase 0, is the preparation to transition phase or the de-escalation phase, which we are already in." "In the best-case scenario, this de-escalation phase will take a minimum of six weeks and the maximum duration we want to see is eight weeks for the whole of Spain," he added. All sporting events including the top-flight football league La Liga were halted on March 12 due to the outbreak of coronavirus pandemic in the country. The announcement will also allow clubs to restart individual sessions with squad members, La Liga and Spanish Football had agreed to this protocol earlier this month. The training session comes with some new rules due to the pandemic, players will have to arrive at club's training facility wearing their kit, with gloves and mask on and not more than six players can train on the pitch at the same time. COVID-19 has claimed nearly 24,000 lives in the country, behind the United States and Italy in mortality rates from the virus.

La Liga to begin with individual training as government to ease lockdown

Real Madrid star Gareth Bale says there should be no rush to restart La Liga during the coronavirus lockdown as the Spanish football federation plans tests and a return to training.

Testing players is being discussed with a view to completing the Liga season and thereby avoiding financial disaster, a source cose to La Liga told AFP on Thursday.

Bale said he wanted to get back into action but felt it wise to wait and see.

"Everyone wants to play football, but the most important thing is everyone stays safe, we don't want to come back too early. We need to make sure everything is done safely so we avoid the second wave of this virus," Bale told British broadcaster BT Sports.

The Bundesliga in Germany, where there have been far fewer coronavirus deaths, said on Thursday they are "ready" to restart on May 9 but needed government approval.

Rafael Ramos of the Spanish Association of Football Team Physicians said La Liga is planning to return to action in a series of stages.

"The idea according to La Liga is to test everyone on April 28 and 29," Ramos said on Spanish radio on Thursday.

He added that the tests would be repeated every three or four days.

La Liga president Javier Tebas said several alternatives for a return to action were being mulled with May 4 slated for the return to training.

"The scenarios we are looking at could see La Liga restart as early as 28-29 May, but could also be 6-7 June or even as late as June 28," Tebas said, calculating that the move could save Spanish clubs a billion euros in revenue if they complete La Liga and the European competitions.

<h2>- Awaiting government approval -</h2>

Whatever Tebas wants, Spain is under a severe lockdown quarantine and is reeling after 22,000 deaths from coronavirus in the country so far.

The Spanish players union (AFE) agree with Welsh winger Bale in his call for prudence.

"Ask yourself if this is really a good idea. Is it safe? isn't our main concern everybody's safety?," Diego Lopez the Espanyol goalkeeper said on Wednesday.

Eight Espanyol players are sick with Covid-19.

Barcelona and Spain midfielder Sergio Busquets was also sceptical on the proposed dates.

"I suppose it's workable, to train without getting too close to the other guys, showering at home, but meetings and travelling to a match would be difficult," said Busquets.

Others have been more defiant.

"I'm hearing stuff about May 4 or May 11. No way will I be going back to training (then), nor will I play. I'll tell you that straight right now," said Rafael Jimenez, a central defender at Liga 2 leaders Cadiz.

Athletic Bilbao player Ander Capa was more open to a return.

"I'm optimistic, I believe we'll get restarted and I hope by June we'll all be playing again," he told Radio Popular.

Real Madrid star Gareth Bale says there should be no rush to restart La Liga during the coronavirus lockdown as the Spanish football federation plans tests and a return to training.

Real Madrid star Gareth Bale says there should be no rush to restart La Liga during the coronavirus lockdown as the Spanish football federation plans tests and a return to training. Testing players is being discussed with a view to completing the Liga season and thereby avoiding financial disaster, a source cose to La Liga told AFP on Thursday. Bale said he wanted to get back into action but felt it wise to wait and see. "Everyone wants to play football, but the most important thing is everyone stays safe, we don't want to come back too early. We need to make sure everything is done safely so we avoid the second wave of this virus," Bale told British broadcaster BT Sports. The Bundesliga in Germany, where there have been far fewer coronavirus deaths, said on Thursday they are "ready" to restart on May 9 but needed government approval. Rafael Ramos of the Spanish Association of Football Team Physicians said La Liga is planning to return to action in a series of stages. "The idea according to La Liga is to test everyone on April 28 and 29," Ramos said on Spanish radio on Thursday. He added that the tests would be repeated every three or four days. La Liga president Javier Tebas said several alternatives for a return to action were being mulled with May 4 slated for the return to training. "The scenarios we are looking at could see La Liga restart as early as 28-29 May, but could also be 6-7 June or even as late as June 28," Tebas said, calculating that the move could save Spanish clubs a billion euros in revenue if they complete La Liga and the European competitions. - Awaiting government approval - Whatever Tebas wants, Spain is under a severe lockdown quarantine and is reeling after 22,000 deaths from coronavirus in the country so far. The Spanish players union (AFE) agree with Welsh winger Bale in his call for prudence. "Ask yourself if this is really a good idea. Is it safe? isn't our main concern everybody's safety?," Diego Lopez the Espanyol goalkeeper said on Wednesday. Eight Espanyol players are sick with Covid-19. Barcelona and Spain midfielder Sergio Busquets was also sceptical on the proposed dates. "I suppose it's workable, to train without getting too close to the other guys, showering at home, but meetings and travelling to a match would be difficult," said Busquets. Others have been more defiant. "I'm hearing stuff about May 4 or May 11. No way will I be going back to training (then), nor will I play. I'll tell you that straight right now," said Rafael Jimenez, a central defender at Liga 2 leaders Cadiz. Athletic Bilbao player Ander Capa was more open to a return. "I'm optimistic, I believe we'll get restarted and I hope by June we'll all be playing again," he told Radio Popular.

Don't rush to restart La Liga, Bale warns

Premier League is facing a challenge in deciding their confirmed Champions League spots and relegation spots without completing the season. They could decide these spots by one-off ties.&nbsp;

UEFA has developed 'new' guidelines after Thursday to formulate a plan for all the European leagues so that they finish their 2019/20 seasons.&nbsp;

All the five leagues in Europe have come to a halt after the coronavirus outbreak. Europe has been the worst affected continent in term of the pandemic deaths.&nbsp;

UEFA has indicated that the leagues will restart but in a different format to complete its season. The statement post-meeting read: "It is preferable that suspended domestic competitions would restart with a different format in a manner which would still facilitate clubs to qualify on sporting merit."

As far as Premier League is concerned, Liverpool has qualified for the Champions League after sitting 25 points clear on the top whereas Chelsea and Manchester United sit at number four and five respectively with three points difference and nine games left to play.&nbsp;

Norwich is bottom of the table, six points off safety, while Aston Villa are two points adrift and Bournemouth are in the relegation zone on goal difference.&nbsp;

Looking at UK's condition due to the coronavirus pandemic, it is highly unlikely that the league would return before early June. &nbsp;UEFA is optimistic about the leagues being concluded by August as the month will witness the Champions League final match.&nbsp;

Leagues that are unable to complete their leagues due to deteriorating situation will host a one-off tie to decide the qualifiers and the relegation.&nbsp;

UEFA has also acknowledged the leagues getting prematurely cancelled with the governments don't lift the lockdown. One more possibility that could lead to early league cancellation was listed during the meeting, &nbsp;"insurmountable economic problems which make finishing the season impossible because it would put at risk the long-term financial stability of the domestic competition and/or clubs".

Another way out?&nbsp;

According to The Times, leagues are offered to make a decision based on points-per-game ratio. The decision that will secure current Premier League top four Liverpool, Man City, Leicester and Chelsea contenders in next Champions League, whereas, Manchester United take the Europa spot. Biggest losers? Arsenal and Tottenham as they will miss out on all European action.&nbsp;

The German Bundesliga has decided to send its top four teams &nbsp;Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, RB Leipzig and Borussia Monchengladbach to the Champions League as all teams have played the same amount of games.&nbsp;

Serie A has minor difficulties as some top teams have played fewer games but if they go according to the points-per-game ratio, Lazio will make a surprise entry to Champions League. Along with Lazio, Juventus, Inter Milan and Altlanta could represent Italy in the Champions League next year.&nbsp;

Premier League is facing a challenge in deciding their confirmed Champions League spots and relegation spots without completing the season. They could decide these spots by one-off ties.

Premier League is facing a challenge in deciding their confirmed Champions League spots and relegation spots without completing the season. They could decide these spots by one-off ties. UEFA has developed 'new' guidelines after Thursday to formulate a plan for all the European leagues so that they finish their 2019/20 seasons. All the five leagues in Europe have come to a halt after the coronavirus outbreak. Europe has been the worst affected continent in term of the pandemic deaths. UEFA has indicated that the leagues will restart but in a different format to complete its season. The statement post-meeting read: "It is preferable that suspended domestic competitions would restart with a different format in a manner which would still facilitate clubs to qualify on sporting merit." As far as Premier League is concerned, Liverpool has qualified for the Champions League after sitting 25 points clear on the top whereas Chelsea and Manchester United sit at number four and five respectively with three points difference and nine games left to play. Norwich is bottom of the table, six points off safety, while Aston Villa are two points adrift and Bournemouth are in the relegation zone on goal difference. Looking at UK's condition due to the coronavirus pandemic, it is highly unlikely that the league would return before early June. UEFA is optimistic about the leagues being concluded by August as the month will witness the Champions League final match. Leagues that are unable to complete their leagues due to deteriorating situation will host a one-off tie to decide the qualifiers and the relegation. UEFA has also acknowledged the leagues getting prematurely cancelled with the governments don't lift the lockdown. One more possibility that could lead to early league cancellation was listed during the meeting, "insurmountable economic problems which make finishing the season impossible because it would put at risk the long-term financial stability of the domestic competition and/or clubs". Another way out? According to The Times, leagues are offered to make a decision based on points-per-game ratio. The decision that will secure current Premier League top four Liverpool, Man City, Leicester and Chelsea contenders in next Champions League, whereas, Manchester United take the Europa spot. Biggest losers? Arsenal and Tottenham as they will miss out on all European action. The German Bundesliga has decided to send its top four teams Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, RB Leipzig and Borussia Monchengladbach to the Champions League as all teams have played the same amount of games. Serie A has minor difficulties as some top teams have played fewer games but if they go according to the points-per-game ratio, Lazio will make a surprise entry to Champions League. Along with Lazio, Juventus, Inter Milan and Altlanta could represent Italy in the Champions League next year.

UEFA insists Premier league to conclude season as it is or with play-offs; will other leagues follow?

La Liga and the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) have agreed a return to training protocol for professional players in the country after the coronavirus outbreak, the Spanish National Sports Council (CSD) announced on Monday.

Spain's top division has been suspended since March 12 due to the COVID-19 outbreak which has so far killed more than 20,800 people, the third-highest number of deaths in the world after the United States and Italy.

"This decision remains controlled by the evolution of the COVID-19 pandemic and by the decisions adopted by the Ministry of Health," the CSD said in a statement.

La Liga clubs will train again "when health conditions allow it, and by following strict health protocols," it added.

According to local media reports La Liga has already outlined a proposition which includes testing players as well as a progression from individual training to sessions with whole squads.&nbsp;

League chief Javier Tebas last week said play could restart as early as next month, although a fortnight extension of the nationwide lockdown until May 9 announced on Saturday appears to have scuppered those plans.

During the weekend's meeting between La Liga, the RFEF and the CSD, which reportedly took more than eight hours, the trio decided television income from football would be used to save other sports.

"The La Liga presidents and the federation have committed to create a contingency fund of 10 million euros ($10.86 million) to help vulnerable sports, and have invited other entities like the players union to take part," the CSD's statement said.

La Liga and the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) have agreed a return to training protocol for professional players in the country after the coronavirus outbreak, the Spanish National Sports Council (CSD) announced on Monday.

La Liga and the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) have agreed a return to training protocol for professional players in the country after the coronavirus outbreak, the Spanish National Sports Council (CSD) announced on Monday. Spain's top division has been suspended since March 12 due to the COVID-19 outbreak which has so far killed more than 20,800 people, the third-highest number of deaths in the world after the United States and Italy. "This decision remains controlled by the evolution of the COVID-19 pandemic and by the decisions adopted by the Ministry of Health," the CSD said in a statement. La Liga clubs will train again "when health conditions allow it, and by following strict health protocols," it added. According to local media reports La Liga has already outlined a proposition which includes testing players as well as a progression from individual training to sessions with whole squads. League chief Javier Tebas last week said play could restart as early as next month, although a fortnight extension of the nationwide lockdown until May 9 announced on Saturday appears to have scuppered those plans. During the weekend's meeting between La Liga, the RFEF and the CSD, which reportedly took more than eight hours, the trio decided television income from football would be used to save other sports. "The La Liga presidents and the federation have committed to create a contingency fund of 10 million euros ($10.86 million) to help vulnerable sports, and have invited other entities like the players union to take part," the CSD's statement said.

La Liga, Spanish FA agree training restart protocol

Real Madrid players have agreed to cut their salaries by as much as a fifth, the La Liga club announced on Wednesday, as Spanish football remains on hold due to the coronavirus pandemic.

In a statement, Real said players and coaches from the side's football and basketball teams, as well as key directors, had voluntarily agreed to the reduction, of either 10 or 20 percent, "depending on the circumstances that may affect the closing of the current 2019/20 sports season".

Real didn't say what circumstances would affect the rate of salary cut, but Spanish media reported players will receive 10 percent less if the season is completed and 20 percent less if the current campaign is terminated.

The cuts will shave between 28 million and 56 million euros ($30.4 million and $60.8 million) off Real's salary bill.&nbsp;

It also means the club has avoided using the partial unemployment (ERTE) scheme that cut Barcelona and Atletico Madrid players' salaries by 70 percent.

La Liga has recommended clubs take advantage of the scheme, and both Sevilla and Espanyol have also put in a request to be included on the ERTE scheme.

Over 14,000 people have died from COVID-19 in Spain, the second worst hit country from the virus after Italy, with 146,690 registered cases.

Real Madrid players have agreed to cut their salaries by as much as a fifth, the La Liga club announced on Wednesday, as Spanish football remains on hold due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Real Madrid players have agreed to cut their salaries by as much as a fifth, the La Liga club announced on Wednesday, as Spanish football remains on hold due to the coronavirus pandemic. In a statement, Real said players and coaches from the side's football and basketball teams, as well as key directors, had voluntarily agreed to the reduction, of either 10 or 20 percent, "depending on the circumstances that may affect the closing of the current 2019/20 sports season". Real didn't say what circumstances would affect the rate of salary cut, but Spanish media reported players will receive 10 percent less if the season is completed and 20 percent less if the current campaign is terminated. The cuts will shave between 28 million and 56 million euros ($30.4 million and $60.8 million) off Real's salary bill. It also means the club has avoided using the partial unemployment (ERTE) scheme that cut Barcelona and Atletico Madrid players' salaries by 70 percent. La Liga has recommended clubs take advantage of the scheme, and both Sevilla and Espanyol have also put in a request to be included on the ERTE scheme. Over 14,000 people have died from COVID-19 in Spain, the second worst hit country from the virus after Italy, with 146,690 registered cases.

Real Madrid players accept up to 20 percent pay cut

La Liga could return to action as early as next month, its president Javier Tebas said on Tuesday, as the league awaits a chance to restart following the coronavirus shutdown.

Tebas also warned Spanish clubs could lose as much as one billion euros ($1.1 billion) if the season is not completed, pushing football bosses in the country to search for a late finish to the current campaign.

"The different scenarios we have been looking at with UEFA to go back to competing are most probably starting on the May 28-29 June 6-7 or June 28-29," Tebas said.

"We're not just looking at what happens in Spain... the job is to get all our calendars (in Europe) in line so all the competitions are able to finish together."

But Tebas said no team training could take place until after the state of emergency ends in Spain -- currently set until April 26. Should that end date be pushed back the chances of restarting in May would likely vanish.

Tebas said "it is not an option" to cancel the season given the massive hit to revenue Spain's top clubs would have to absorb, with 150 million euros gone even if La Liga finishes the season with fans at matches.

"We are not considering at all that we will not get back to playing matches," he said.

"It is not just league revenues, it is league revenues plus all the other revenue from the Champions League that teams wouldn't receive.&nbsp;

"We are talking about one billion euros if we don't get back to playing, 300 million euros if we play behind closed doors and 150 million euros if we do to get back to playing with fans."

Fixtures are expected to be held behind closed doors, at least at first, with some Spanish clubs facing the prospect of playing away from their own grounds due to scheduled building work.

“The last businesses that will return to normal are theatres, cinemas, events that people attend," said Tebas. "We are an industry like that but we can resume part of our activity without people because the fundamental part of our income comes from TV."

The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) announced later on Tuesday that a committee including representatives from the Players' Union (AFE) and La Liga had agreed summer matches would be played every 72 hours at most and with two drinks breaks in each half due to heat.

The COVID-19 pandemic has killed nearly 14,000 people in Spain, the world's second hardest-hit country after Italy in terms of deaths.

On Tuesday, Spain said a further 743 people had died but that the "downward trend" is continuing despite an increase in the latest figures.

La Liga could return to action as early as next month, its president Javier Tebas said on Tuesday, as the league awaits a chance to restart following the coronavirus shutdown.

La Liga could return to action as early as next month, its president Javier Tebas said on Tuesday, as the league awaits a chance to restart following the coronavirus shutdown. Tebas also warned Spanish clubs could lose as much as one billion euros ($1.1 billion) if the season is not completed, pushing football bosses in the country to search for a late finish to the current campaign. "The different scenarios we have been looking at with UEFA to go back to competing are most probably starting on the May 28-29 June 6-7 or June 28-29," Tebas said. "We're not just looking at what happens in Spain... the job is to get all our calendars (in Europe) in line so all the competitions are able to finish together." But Tebas said no team training could take place until after the state of emergency ends in Spain -- currently set until April 26. Should that end date be pushed back the chances of restarting in May would likely vanish. Tebas said "it is not an option" to cancel the season given the massive hit to revenue Spain's top clubs would have to absorb, with 150 million euros gone even if La Liga finishes the season with fans at matches. "We are not considering at all that we will not get back to playing matches," he said. "It is not just league revenues, it is league revenues plus all the other revenue from the Champions League that teams wouldn't receive. "We are talking about one billion euros if we don't get back to playing, 300 million euros if we play behind closed doors and 150 million euros if we do to get back to playing with fans." Fixtures are expected to be held behind closed doors, at least at first, with some Spanish clubs facing the prospect of playing away from their own grounds due to scheduled building work. “The last businesses that will return to normal are theatres, cinemas, events that people attend," said Tebas. "We are an industry like that but we can resume part of our activity without people because the fundamental part of our income comes from TV." The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) announced later on Tuesday that a committee including representatives from the Players' Union (AFE) and La Liga had agreed summer matches would be played every 72 hours at most and with two drinks breaks in each half due to heat. The COVID-19 pandemic has killed nearly 14,000 people in Spain, the world's second hardest-hit country after Italy in terms of deaths. On Tuesday, Spain said a further 743 people had died but that the "downward trend" is continuing despite an increase in the latest figures.

La Liga eyeing May return, says league boss Tebas

La Liga will be hosting a virtual charity match on 28 March, Saturday. The match will begin on 18:00 (C.E.T)

The concert will be broadcast simultaneously worldwide via all La Liga channels and the La LigaSportsTV platform. Also, La Liga will offer the signal to all its international broadcasters.

Real Madrid was declared winners in last week's virtual charity match after Marcos Asensio won the finals.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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Primer título de la historia de <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LaLigaSantanderChallenge?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LaLigaSantanderChallenge</a> para casa, <a href="https://twitter.com/realmadrid?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@realmadrid</a> 🎮💪🏽. Gracias a todos por el gran apoyo recibido. 
¡Hasta el final, vamos Real! <a href="https://t.co/xJHjloUsYb">pic.twitter.com/xJHjloUsYb</a>
— Marco Asensio (@marcoasensio10) <a href="https://twitter.com/marcoasensio10/status/1241855932168093697?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 22, 2020</a></blockquote>
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All funds raised will go towards the purchase of medical supplies. Last week’s esports event raised more than €142,000 towards UNICEF’s aid efforts.

La Liga got suspended after Spanish giants Real Madrid stated that all the members of their squad have been quarantined after a member of Real Madrid's basketball team was tested positive for coronavirus.&nbsp;

Since Real Madrid's basketball and football team share the same facility in Ciudad Real Madrid, the club has taken a precautionary step and quarantined the members of basketball and football team on immediate basis.

Global sports came to a halt after the coronavirus outbreak, football, Formula One, cricket, etc. Sports icons across the globe have to go into self isolation. Many of them have come forward to donate amounts, while the others have started training at home setting examples for their fans on how to overcome boredom while self isolation.&nbsp;

La Liga will be hosting a virtual charity match on 28 March, Saturday. The match will begin on 18:00 (C.E.T) The concert will be broadcast simultaneously worldwide via all La Liga channels and the La LigaSportsTV platform.

La Liga will be hosting a virtual charity match on 28 March, Saturday. The match will begin on 18:00 (C.E.T) The concert will be broadcast simultaneously worldwide via all La Liga channels and the La LigaSportsTV platform. Also, La Liga will offer the signal to all its international broadcasters. Real Madrid was declared winners in last week's virtual charity match after Marcos Asensio won the finals. Primer título de la historia de #LaLigaSantanderChallenge para casa, @realmadrid 🎮💪🏽. Gracias a todos por el gran apoyo recibido. ¡Hasta el final, vamos Real! pic.twitter.com/xJHjloUsYb — Marco Asensio (@marcoasensio10) March 22, 2020 × All funds raised will go towards the purchase of medical supplies. Last week’s esports event raised more than €142,000 towards UNICEF’s aid efforts. La Liga got suspended after Spanish giants Real Madrid stated that all the members of their squad have been quarantined after a member of Real Madrid's basketball team was tested positive for coronavirus. Since Real Madrid's basketball and football team share the same facility in Ciudad Real Madrid, the club has taken a precautionary step and quarantined the members of basketball and football team on immediate basis. Global sports came to a halt after the coronavirus outbreak, football, Formula One, cricket, etc. Sports icons across the globe have to go into self isolation. Many of them have come forward to donate amounts, while the others have started training at home setting examples for their fans on how to overcome boredom while self isolation.

La Liga to host virtual charity match to raise funds to fight novel coronavirus

Like the entire sporting calendar, the Spanish football and their marquee football league La Liga has been left hanging by a thin thread as the novel COVID-19 continues to take the entire world in its dreaded wings. Keeping the current situation amid the coronavirus in mind, the Spanish football calendar has been postponed until further notice, La Liga and Spanish soccer federation (RFEF) said in a joint statement on Monday.

Earlier, the league matches of football in Spain was due to resume on April 3 after being suspended for two weeks due to the spread of the COVID-19 but with the situation deteriorating with each passing day, the football governing body has taken a definite step in a bid to curb the deadly virus.

A joint commission between La Liga and RFEF have agreed to postpone all professional football competitions in Spain until the Spanish government feel it could be resumed “without creating any health risk”.

Both the RFEF and LaLiga wish to express our greatest public gratitude to all those who are dedicating their best efforts to provide essential services to the Spanish people,” the statement said.

“We also share our condolences for all the deceased and a warm embrace from the world of soccer to the many families that are losing loved ones,” it added.

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Official statement. 
 
Spanish football competitions postponed until further notice as agreed by RFEF-LaLiga.
— LaLiga English (@LaLigaEN) <a href="https://twitter.com/LaLigaEN/status/1242044398562574338?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 23, 2020</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

The situation in Spain is grave with more than 33,000 people being affected by the COVID-19 – the second-worst affected country in Europe, only behind Italy. Moreover, over 2,180 deaths have been recorded from the virus, according to the country’s health ministry.

Earlier, UEFA had shifted Euro 2020 to 2021 given the current scenario relating to COVID-19. While the numbers continue to stack up, people have been advised to stay at their home and maintain social distancing as much as possible.

Like the entire sporting calendar, the Spanish football and their marquee football league La Liga has been left hanging by a thin thread as the novel COVID-19 continues to take the entire world in its dreaded wings.

Like the entire sporting calendar, the Spanish football and their marquee football league La Liga has been left hanging by a thin thread as the novel COVID-19 continues to take the entire world in its dreaded wings. Keeping the current situation amid the coronavirus in mind, the Spanish football calendar has been postponed until further notice, La Liga and Spanish soccer federation (RFEF) said in a joint statement on Monday. Earlier, the league matches of football in Spain was due to resume on April 3 after being suspended for two weeks due to the spread of the COVID-19 but with the situation deteriorating with each passing day, the football governing body has taken a definite step in a bid to curb the deadly virus. A joint commission between La Liga and RFEF have agreed to postpone all professional football competitions in Spain until the Spanish government feel it could be resumed “without creating any health risk”. Both the RFEF and LaLiga wish to express our greatest public gratitude to all those who are dedicating their best efforts to provide essential services to the Spanish people,” the statement said. “We also share our condolences for all the deceased and a warm embrace from the world of soccer to the many families that are losing loved ones,” it added. Official statement. Spanish football competitions postponed until further notice as agreed by RFEF-LaLiga. — LaLiga English (@LaLigaEN) March 23, 2020 × The situation in Spain is grave with more than 33,000 people being affected by the COVID-19 – the second-worst affected country in Europe, only behind Italy. Moreover, over 2,180 deaths have been recorded from the virus, according to the country’s health ministry. Earlier, UEFA had shifted Euro 2020 to 2021 given the current scenario relating to COVID-19. While the numbers continue to stack up, people have been advised to stay at their home and maintain social distancing as much as possible.

La Liga, Spanish football competitions postponed indefinitely as COVID-19 crisis worsens

Spanish football team Alaves confirmed on Wednesday that 15 people from the club have tested positive for coronavirus, including three first-team players.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/covid-19-hits-football-euro-2020-postponed-until-2021-amid-coronavirus-pandemic-287032" hreflang="en">COVID-19 hits football: Euro 2020 postponed until 2021 amid coronavirus pandemic</a>

Alaves said seven members of the La Liga club's coaching staff had also tested positive, along with five other employees.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/valencia-confirm-over-third-of-squad-has-coronavirus-286867" hreflang="en">Valencia confirm over third of squad has coronavirus</a>

A club statement added: "The club made the decision to carry out the tests within the policy of responsibility for the people who are part of our family and the results have shown it was the best way to urgently locate the cases and implement preventive measures to reduce, as far as possible, more infections.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/coronavirus-spanish-youth-team-coach-francisco-garcia-dies-at-21-286854" hreflang="en">Coronavirus: Spanish youth team coach Francisco Garcia dies at 21</a>

"The people detected are asymptomatic and in good health."

On March 6, Alaves played at home in La Liga against Valencia, who have since confirmed around 35 per cent of the club have tested positive for the virus.

After Italy, Spain has been the country worst-affected by coronavirus in Europe. On Wednesday, the latest figures reported almost 14,000 cases in Spain and just over 600 deaths.

Spanish football team Alaves confirmed on Wednesday that 15 people from the club have tested positive for coronavirus, including three first-team players. Also read: COVID-19 hits football: Euro 2020 postponed until 2021 amid coronavirus pandemic Alaves said seven members of the La Liga club's coaching staff had also tested positive, along with five other employees.

Spanish football team Alaves confirmed on Wednesday that 15 people from the club have tested positive for coronavirus, including three first-team players. Also read: COVID-19 hits football: Euro 2020 postponed until 2021 amid coronavirus pandemic Alaves said seven members of the La Liga club's coaching staff had also tested positive, along with five other employees. Also read: Valencia confirm over third of squad has coronavirus A club statement added: "The club made the decision to carry out the tests within the policy of responsibility for the people who are part of our family and the results have shown it was the best way to urgently locate the cases and implement preventive measures to reduce, as far as possible, more infections. Also read: Coronavirus: Spanish youth team coach Francisco Garcia dies at 21 "The people detected are asymptomatic and in good health." On March 6, Alaves played at home in La Liga against Valencia, who have since confirmed around 35 per cent of the club have tested positive for the virus. After Italy, Spain has been the country worst-affected by coronavirus in Europe. On Wednesday, the latest figures reported almost 14,000 cases in Spain and just over 600 deaths.

La Liga club Alaves report 15 positive tests for coronavirus

Europe's top football leagues such as the Premier League, La Liga, Ligue 1, Serie A and Bundesliga have much to lose if the global pandemic forces them to cancel their rest of the seasons.&nbsp;

According to a study conducted by KPMG, these top football leagues lose close to $4.33 billion in combined revenue if they get cancelled.

These figures were out after the accounting firm calculated the total potential matchday, broadcasting and commercial revenues set to be generated by the remaining matches in the Premier League, La Liga, German Bundesliga, Italy's Serie A and France's Ligue 1 added up to between 3.45-4 billion euros across the five leagues.

According to KPMG, English Premier League will lose the most if it happens, despite having fewer games left to play than every other league (except Bundesliga, German league has just 18 teams to play). The Premier League will lose about 1.25 billion euros out of which they lose 800 million in broadcasting revenues itself.&nbsp;

La Liga in Spain could lose as much as 600 million euros from broadcasters, the report said, while Serie A clubs stand to lose up to 450 million euros from a cancelled season. The Bundesliga and Ligue 1 stand to lose as much as 400 and 200 millions euros respectively.

This shows how much do these football leagues rely on television money to compensate for their expenses.

After Euro's postponement by a year due to the novel coronavirus outbreak has raised concerns for the top leagues in Europe.&nbsp;

Europe's top football leagues such as the Premier League, La Liga, Ligue 1, Serie A and Bundesliga have much to lose if the global pandemic forces them to cancel their rest of the seasons.

Europe's top football leagues such as the Premier League, La Liga, Ligue 1, Serie A and Bundesliga have much to lose if the global pandemic forces them to cancel their rest of the seasons. According to a study conducted by KPMG, these top football leagues lose close to $4.33 billion in combined revenue if they get cancelled. These figures were out after the accounting firm calculated the total potential matchday, broadcasting and commercial revenues set to be generated by the remaining matches in the Premier League, La Liga, German Bundesliga, Italy's Serie A and France's Ligue 1 added up to between 3.45-4 billion euros across the five leagues. According to KPMG, English Premier League will lose the most if it happens, despite having fewer games left to play than every other league (except Bundesliga, German league has just 18 teams to play). The Premier League will lose about 1.25 billion euros out of which they lose 800 million in broadcasting revenues itself. La Liga in Spain could lose as much as 600 million euros from broadcasters, the report said, while Serie A clubs stand to lose up to 450 million euros from a cancelled season. The Bundesliga and Ligue 1 stand to lose as much as 400 and 200 millions euros respectively. This shows how much do these football leagues rely on television money to compensate for their expenses. After Euro's postponement by a year due to the novel coronavirus outbreak has raised concerns for the top leagues in Europe.

Europe's top football leagues could face major hit if season gets cancelled due to coronavirus

What Messi, Neymar, Ramos are doing during coronavirus self-quarantine

Real Madrid topples Barcelona to become the leaders of the La Liga after beating the Catalan Giants 2-0 in an El Clasico clash on Sunday.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-10-men-barcelona-see-their-way-out-against-napoli-282793">Champions League: 10-men Barcelona see their way out against Napoli</a>

This was Zinedine Zidane's first home victory against Barcelona in La Liga. Real Madrid's stunning second-half display secured them a win.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-guardiolas-masterclass-ensures-man-city-comeback-against-real-madrid-282976">Champions League: Guardiola's masterclass ensures Man City comeback against Real Madrid</a>

Vinicius Junior struck first for Real Madrid in the 71st minute. At the age of 19 years and 233 days Vinicius became the youngest player in the 21st century to score in an El Clasico. The previous record was held by Lionel Messi who in March 2007 who scored at the age of 19 years and 259 days.

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🏁 FP: <a href="https://twitter.com/realmadrid?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RealMadrid</a> 2-0 <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBarcelona_es?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FCBarcelona_es</a> 
⚽ <a href="https://twitter.com/viniciusjr?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@viniciusjr</a> 71', <a href="https://twitter.com/marianodiaz7?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@marianodiaz7</a> 90'+2'<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RealFootball?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RealFootball</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Emirates?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Emirates</a> <a href="https://t.co/GzaRQDC0eo">pic.twitter.com/GzaRQDC0eo</a>
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Substitute Mariano came on the field in the injury time (90+1) and his first touch goal by 90+2 minutes sealed a vital home victory for Zidane's side.&nbsp;

"It's been a tough week," said Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane. "We talked about how we had an opportunity this weekend and we took it."

Barca coach Quique Setien said that his side was outplayed and nervous with the ball. He said: "The reality is we lost a lot of confidence with the ball. We entered a nervous spell and that's when the goal came."

Lionel Messi's stunning strike in the first half was saved by Thibaut Courtois was the only major attempt by Barcelona for a goal. Barcelona struck 9 shots (4 on target). Real Madrid hit 13 shots (5 on target).&nbsp;

Real Madrid topples Barcelona to become the leaders of the La Liga after beating the Catalan Giants 2-0 in an El Clasico clash on Sunday. Also read: Champions League: 10-men Barcelona see their way out against Napoli This was Zinedine Zidane's first home victory against Barcelona in La Liga.

Real Madrid topples Barcelona to become the leaders of the La Liga after beating the Catalan Giants 2-0 in an El Clasico clash on Sunday. Also read: Champions League: 10-men Barcelona see their way out against Napoli This was Zinedine Zidane's first home victory against Barcelona in La Liga. Real Madrid's stunning second-half display secured them a win. Also read: Champions League: Guardiola's masterclass ensures Man City comeback against Real Madrid Vinicius Junior struck first for Real Madrid in the 71st minute. At the age of 19 years and 233 days Vinicius became the youngest player in the 21st century to score in an El Clasico. The previous record was held by Lionel Messi who in March 2007 who scored at the age of 19 years and 259 days. 🏁 FP: @RealMadrid 2-0 @FCBarcelona_es ⚽ @viniciusjr 71', @marianodiaz7 90'+2'#RealFootball | #Emirates pic.twitter.com/GzaRQDC0eo — Real Madrid C.F.⚽ (@realmadrid) March 1, 2020 × Substitute Mariano came on the field in the injury time (90+1) and his first touch goal by 90+2 minutes sealed a vital home victory for Zidane's side. "It's been a tough week," said Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane. "We talked about how we had an opportunity this weekend and we took it." Barca coach Quique Setien said that his side was outplayed and nervous with the ball. He said: "The reality is we lost a lot of confidence with the ball. We entered a nervous spell and that's when the goal came." Lionel Messi's stunning strike in the first half was saved by Thibaut Courtois was the only major attempt by Barcelona for a goal. Barcelona struck 9 shots (4 on target). Real Madrid hit 13 shots (5 on target).

La Liga: Real Madrid's Vinicius Jr record breaking goal topple Barcelona in El Clasico

Barcelona on Thursday confirmed the signing of Danish forward Martin Braithwaite from Leganes after capitalising on a curious La Liga rule to ease their shortage of options upfront.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pep-guardiola-warns-barcelona-after-bartomeu-thanks-uefa-for-ban-281776">Pep Guardiola warns Barcelona after Bartomeu thanks UEFA for ban</a>

Barca has taken advantage of the regulation that enables Spanish clubs in the top two divisions to buy from another La Liga club outside the transfer window if they lose a player to injury for more than five months.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/lionel-messi-confesses-he-sees-weird-things-happening-at-barcelona-281747">Lionel Messi confesses he sees 'weird things happening' at Barcelona</a>

"My ambition has always been to play at this level and when you persevere and you are positive, things end up happening," said Braithwaite after signing his contract.&nbsp;

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Welcome to the Club and the city <a href="https://twitter.com/MartinBraith?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MartinBraith</a>. We wish all the best and great success in this new challenge you start today with Barça <a href="https://t.co/fKZuFVpOeh">pic.twitter.com/fKZuFVpOeh</a>
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"I am very happy to be here because, as a footballer, it is one of the greatest things that can happen to you to play for the best club in the world."

With Ousmane Dembele expected to be out for the rest of the season with a hamstring tear, the Catalans signed Braithwaite after paying the Dane's 18 million euro buy-out clause.

"The player will sign a contract with the Club for the rest of the season and four more until 30 June 2024 with the buy-out clause set at 300 million euros," Barcelona announced on their website earlier in the day.&nbsp;

After also selling Youssef En-Nesyri to Sevilla last month, Braithwaite's exit is a cruel blow for struggling Leganes, who will not be able to bring in a replacement unless an exception is made by La Liga.&nbsp;

"We believe the settlement is unfair," said Leganes chief executive Martin Ortega.

However, Barca president Josep Bartomeu insisted: "Barcelona's attitude has been correct."&nbsp;

"We paid the clause in accordance with the regulations, but we think it should be revised because it is not fair that Leganes cannot therefore recruit."

Leganes sit 19th in the table and play 17th-placed Celta Vigo on Saturday. Braithwaite was their top scorer this season with six goals.&nbsp;

But the 28-year-old's addition will give cover for Barcelona, who were already without Luis Suarez to a knee injury before Dembele's extended absence was confirmed.&nbsp;

The club applied for permission last week to make an emergency signing and were given the green light by La Liga on Monday.&nbsp;

Braithwaite could make his debut when Barca play Eibar at Camp Nou in the league on Saturday but the rule states he will not be allowed to play in the Champions League.

His arrival comes after the club allowed two forwards to leave last month: Carles Perez to &nbsp;Roma and Abel Ruiz to Braga.&nbsp;

Barcelona on Thursday confirmed the signing of Danish forward Martin Braithwaite from Leganes after capitalising on a curious La Liga rule to ease their shortage of options upfront.

Barcelona on Thursday confirmed the signing of Danish forward Martin Braithwaite from Leganes after capitalising on a curious La Liga rule to ease their shortage of options upfront. Also read: Pep Guardiola warns Barcelona after Bartomeu thanks UEFA for ban Barca has taken advantage of the regulation that enables Spanish clubs in the top two divisions to buy from another La Liga club outside the transfer window if they lose a player to injury for more than five months. Also read: Lionel Messi confesses he sees 'weird things happening' at Barcelona "My ambition has always been to play at this level and when you persevere and you are positive, things end up happening," said Braithwaite after signing his contract. Welcome to the Club and the city @MartinBraith. We wish all the best and great success in this new challenge you start today with Barça pic.twitter.com/fKZuFVpOeh — Josep Maria Bartomeu (@jmbartomeu) February 20, 2020 × "I am very happy to be here because, as a footballer, it is one of the greatest things that can happen to you to play for the best club in the world." With Ousmane Dembele expected to be out for the rest of the season with a hamstring tear, the Catalans signed Braithwaite after paying the Dane's 18 million euro buy-out clause. "The player will sign a contract with the Club for the rest of the season and four more until 30 June 2024 with the buy-out clause set at 300 million euros," Barcelona announced on their website earlier in the day. After also selling Youssef En-Nesyri to Sevilla last month, Braithwaite's exit is a cruel blow for struggling Leganes, who will not be able to bring in a replacement unless an exception is made by La Liga. "We believe the settlement is unfair," said Leganes chief executive Martin Ortega. However, Barca president Josep Bartomeu insisted: "Barcelona's attitude has been correct." "We paid the clause in accordance with the regulations, but we think it should be revised because it is not fair that Leganes cannot therefore recruit." Leganes sit 19th in the table and play 17th-placed Celta Vigo on Saturday. Braithwaite was their top scorer this season with six goals. But the 28-year-old's addition will give cover for Barcelona, who were already without Luis Suarez to a knee injury before Dembele's extended absence was confirmed. The club applied for permission last week to make an emergency signing and were given the green light by La Liga on Monday. Braithwaite could make his debut when Barca play Eibar at Camp Nou in the league on Saturday but the rule states he will not be allowed to play in the Champions League. His arrival comes after the club allowed two forwards to leave last month: Carles Perez to Roma and Abel Ruiz to Braga.

Barcelona use La Liga rule to sign Martin Braithwaite

Real Madrid's winning streak ended when they conceded a late goal to draw 2-2 at home to Celta Vigo and finish the weekend with their lead over Barcelona down to one point.

Real manager Zinedine Zidane was philosophical.

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👔💬 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Zidane?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Zidane</a> analyses our 2-2 draw against <a href="https://twitter.com/RCCeltaEN?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RCCeltaEN</a>. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RealMadridCelta?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RealMadridCelta</a> <a href="https://t.co/bhzYiGlrJY">pic.twitter.com/bhzYiGlrJY</a>
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"There's nothing to explain, it's just the way things are, it's football," he said. "I'm not worried about it, but I'm disappointed, as always when you drop two points at home."&nbsp;

Barcelona beat third-place Getafe on Saturday to open a 10-point gap on the chasing pack. Sevilla could have climbed to third on Sunday but were held, 2-2, at home by rock-bottom Espanyol.&nbsp;

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HIGHLIGHTS | <a href="https://twitter.com/SantiMina7?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SantiMina7</a> scored with his first touch as <a href="https://twitter.com/RCCeltaEN?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RCCeltaEN</a> stunned the Bernabeu! 💙😱 
 
📺 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RealMadridCelta?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RealMadridCelta</a> <a href="https://t.co/SK12xGJL6y">pic.twitter.com/SK12xGJL6y</a>
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Real had won five straight in La Liga to accelerate past Barcelona. On Sunday they welcomed back Eden Hazard, who had been out since November. Coach Zinedine Zidane also recalled his other 100 million euro player Gareth Bale to complete an all-star attack with Karim Benzema.

Yet Celta leapt into the lead after seven minutes. A pass from Iago Aspas sent Fedor Smolov galloping clear up the middle and he shot low past Thibaut Courtois.

"There were mistakes, especially for the first goal," said Zidane. "We were not well-positioned, it happens, and it'll happen to us again."

Celta had only climbed out of the relegation places the weekend before and looked anxious and overawed on the ball.&nbsp;

Real dominated the rest of the first half and their starry attacking lineup produced pacy, intricate and imaginative attacking interchanges but a combination of good defending and bad finishing kept Real out for the rest of the first half.

Real again dominated the start of the first half.&nbsp;

Sergio Ramos, already playing as an extra striker, slammed the ball into the net but had been standing offside.&nbsp;

In the 52nd minute, Marcelo, not for the first time, found space on the left. His low cross deflected to Toni Kroos following the attack. The German drilled in the equaliser. It was the sixth straight season Kroos had scored against Celta.

In the 65th minute, goalkeeper Ruben Blanco pulled down the impressive Hazard. Ramos slammed the penalty into the bottom corner of the net.

"We're glad he's back," said Zidane who took the Belgian off in the 73rd minute.

"We know what he can do for us. He didn't go further than we planned after three months out," Zidane said. "He was involved in a lot of attacking action."

Celta responded by rediscovering their attacking nerve.

With four minutes left, a sharp pass from Denis Suarez, who had come on in the 71st minute, caught the Real back four rigid on the edge of their own area. Santi Mina, who had been on for just two minutes, raced onto the ball and drilled a shot past Courtois.

"An extraordinary pass," said Zidane.

Real play Levante in the league next Sunday before entertaining Manchester City in the Champions League.

"Now we have to prepare for our next game because after that it's going to get harder and harder."

Real Madrid also used the match Sunday to send a message to China.

The players came on before the match wearing shirts with the Chinese message "China, come on!"

During the game the advertising hoardings flashed up the English message "Wuhan! Come on! We support you!"

"Real Madrid wishes to express its full support for all of the people affected by the coronavirus," the club tweeted in English.

Yao Fei, Charge d'Affaires in China's Madrid embassy, responded with a tweet of thanks in Spanish.

"A million thanks to Real Madrid for their valuable support for China in the fight against the coronavirus! Victory will be ours!"

The point ensured Celta stayed just outside the relegations places ahead of Mallorca, who beat Alaves on Saturday, on goal difference. The pair are two points clear of Leganes, who drew with Betis on Sunday and Espanyol who drew at Sevilla.

Sevilla missed a chance to exploit Getafe's loss to Barcelona and fourth-placed Atletico Madrid's 2-2 draw at Valencia on Friday.&nbsp;

Lucas Ocampos headed Sevilla in front after 14 minutes before Adrian Embarba levelled the scores with a free-kick.

China winger Wu Lei put the away side ahead five minutes after the break.

After Victor Sanchez was sent off Suso exploited Sevilla's man advantage to score his first goal for the club since arriving on loan from AC Milan last month.

Real Madrid's winning streak ended when they conceded a late goal to draw 2-2 at home to Celta Vigo and finish the weekend with their lead over Barcelona down to one point.

Real Madrid's winning streak ended when they conceded a late goal to draw 2-2 at home to Celta Vigo and finish the weekend with their lead over Barcelona down to one point. Real manager Zinedine Zidane was philosophical. 👔💬 #Zidane analyses our 2-2 draw against @RCCeltaEN. #RealMadridCelta pic.twitter.com/bhzYiGlrJY — Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) February 16, 2020 × "There's nothing to explain, it's just the way things are, it's football," he said. "I'm not worried about it, but I'm disappointed, as always when you drop two points at home." Barcelona beat third-place Getafe on Saturday to open a 10-point gap on the chasing pack. Sevilla could have climbed to third on Sunday but were held, 2-2, at home by rock-bottom Espanyol. HIGHLIGHTS | @SantiMina7 scored with his first touch as @RCCeltaEN stunned the Bernabeu! 💙😱 📺 #RealMadridCelta pic.twitter.com/SK12xGJL6y — LaLiga English (@LaLigaEN) February 16, 2020 × Real had won five straight in La Liga to accelerate past Barcelona. On Sunday they welcomed back Eden Hazard, who had been out since November. Coach Zinedine Zidane also recalled his other 100 million euro player Gareth Bale to complete an all-star attack with Karim Benzema. Yet Celta leapt into the lead after seven minutes. A pass from Iago Aspas sent Fedor Smolov galloping clear up the middle and he shot low past Thibaut Courtois. "There were mistakes, especially for the first goal," said Zidane. "We were not well-positioned, it happens, and it'll happen to us again." Celta had only climbed out of the relegation places the weekend before and looked anxious and overawed on the ball. Real dominated the rest of the first half and their starry attacking lineup produced pacy, intricate and imaginative attacking interchanges but a combination of good defending and bad finishing kept Real out for the rest of the first half. Real again dominated the start of the first half. Sergio Ramos, already playing as an extra striker, slammed the ball into the net but had been standing offside. In the 52nd minute, Marcelo, not for the first time, found space on the left. His low cross deflected to Toni Kroos following the attack. The German drilled in the equaliser. It was the sixth straight season Kroos had scored against Celta. In the 65th minute, goalkeeper Ruben Blanco pulled down the impressive Hazard. Ramos slammed the penalty into the bottom corner of the net. "We're glad he's back," said Zidane who took the Belgian off in the 73rd minute. "We know what he can do for us. He didn't go further than we planned after three months out," Zidane said. "He was involved in a lot of attacking action." Celta responded by rediscovering their attacking nerve. With four minutes left, a sharp pass from Denis Suarez, who had come on in the 71st minute, caught the Real back four rigid on the edge of their own area. Santi Mina, who had been on for just two minutes, raced onto the ball and drilled a shot past Courtois. "An extraordinary pass," said Zidane. Real play Levante in the league next Sunday before entertaining Manchester City in the Champions League. "Now we have to prepare for our next game because after that it's going to get harder and harder." Real Madrid also used the match Sunday to send a message to China. The players came on before the match wearing shirts with the Chinese message "China, come on!" During the game the advertising hoardings flashed up the English message "Wuhan! Come on! We support you!" "Real Madrid wishes to express its full support for all of the people affected by the coronavirus," the club tweeted in English. Yao Fei, Charge d'Affaires in China's Madrid embassy, responded with a tweet of thanks in Spanish. "A million thanks to Real Madrid for their valuable support for China in the fight against the coronavirus! Victory will be ours!" The point ensured Celta stayed just outside the relegations places ahead of Mallorca, who beat Alaves on Saturday, on goal difference. The pair are two points clear of Leganes, who drew with Betis on Sunday and Espanyol who drew at Sevilla. Sevilla missed a chance to exploit Getafe's loss to Barcelona and fourth-placed Atletico Madrid's 2-2 draw at Valencia on Friday. Lucas Ocampos headed Sevilla in front after 14 minutes before Adrian Embarba levelled the scores with a free-kick. China winger Wu Lei put the away side ahead five minutes after the break. After Victor Sanchez was sent off Suso exploited Sevilla's man advantage to score his first goal for the club since arriving on loan from AC Milan last month.

La Liga: Celta strike late to put brakes on Real Madrid

Lionel Messi produced a hat-trick of assists as&nbsp;Barcelona&nbsp;pulled off a gutsy 3-2 win at Real Betis after trailing twice in an enthralling match in La Liga on Sunday, finally giving the Catalans something to celebrate after a week of upheaval.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/lionel-messi-might-leave-barcelona-next-summer-following-his-clash-with-abidal-278991">Lionel Messi targets Abidal fueling Barcelona exit rumours</a>

Clement Lenglet headed home the decisive goal in the 72nd minute from a Messi free-kick, earning second-placed Barca a first away win in the league in four matches and cutting the deficit behind leaders Real Madrid back to three points.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/la-liga-fati-and-messi-connection-sees-barcelona-hold-on-against-levante-278199">La Liga: Fati and Messi connection sees Barcelona hold on against Levante</a>

French defender Lenglet was then sent off for two bookings, moments after Betis' Nabil Fekir had been dismissed for earning two yellow cards in the space of a minute.

Barca coach Quique Setien was making his first appearance back at Betis since being sacked by the Seville club last May and desperately needed a victory after Real had beaten Osasuna 4-1 earlier in the day.

But the visitors got off to a terrible start when Sergio Canales gave Betis the lead in the sixth minute from the penalty spot after a VAR review showed Lenglet had handled the ball.

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Dutch midfielder Frenkie de Jong promptly equalised with the help of a lofted pass from Messi but Barca soon found themselves on the back foot again when Betis restored their lead with a strike from World Cup-winning forward Fekir in the 26th minute.

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3-assist night for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Messi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Messi</a> | One of the reasons why he's the goat is bc he's also the best passer. <a href="https://t.co/VPQlfYNeZ0">pic.twitter.com/VPQlfYNeZ0</a>
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBarcelona/status/1226638919955025920?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 9, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Messi proved pivotal in the Catalans levelling right before halftime, delivering a free-kick into the path of Sergio Busquets who converted from close range.

The Argentine was also able to pick out Lenglet for the winning strike, setting up a goal for the fifth time in three games.

The topsy-turvy encounter was a fitting end to a dramatic week for Barca in which Ousmane Dembele sustained a serious injury, Messi lashed out at sporting director Eric Abidal and the team lost 1-0 at Athletic Bilbao to exit the Copa del Rey.

"This is a hugely significant win for us because Betis are a great team and were being roared on by their fans at home," Barca coach Setien told a news conference.

"This is a very important victory because it keeps us near the top of the table and it will give us a huge psychological boost."

Barca, who hired Setien last month after sacking Ernesto Valverde, had not won away from home in the league since beating Atletico Madrid on Dec. 1 and were smarting from a recent defeat at Valencia as well as the last-gasp loss in the Cup to Bilbao.

"It was so important for us to win after losing in the Cup in the last minute but we just had to keep playing in the same way and that's what we did," added Barca's Sergi Roberto.

"It was vital that we found our form and started winning away from home again so we go home feeling happy."

Lionel Messi produced a hat-trick of assists as Barcelona pulled off a gutsy 3-2 win at Real Betis after trailing twice in an enthralling match in La Liga on Sunday, finally giving the Catalans something to celebrate after a week of upheaval.

Lionel Messi produced a hat-trick of assists as Barcelona pulled off a gutsy 3-2 win at Real Betis after trailing twice in an enthralling match in La Liga on Sunday, finally giving the Catalans something to celebrate after a week of upheaval. Also read: Lionel Messi targets Abidal fueling Barcelona exit rumours Clement Lenglet headed home the decisive goal in the 72nd minute from a Messi free-kick, earning second-placed Barca a first away win in the league in four matches and cutting the deficit behind leaders Real Madrid back to three points. Also read: La Liga: Fati and Messi connection sees Barcelona hold on against Levante French defender Lenglet was then sent off for two bookings, moments after Betis' Nabil Fekir had been dismissed for earning two yellow cards in the space of a minute. Barca coach Quique Setien was making his first appearance back at Betis since being sacked by the Seville club last May and desperately needed a victory after Real had beaten Osasuna 4-1 earlier in the day. But the visitors got off to a terrible start when Sergio Canales gave Betis the lead in the sixth minute from the penalty spot after a VAR review showed Lenglet had handled the ball. Up, up, and AWAY! pic.twitter.com/tXt4GLZ5PW — FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) February 9, 2020 × Dutch midfielder Frenkie de Jong promptly equalised with the help of a lofted pass from Messi but Barca soon found themselves on the back foot again when Betis restored their lead with a strike from World Cup-winning forward Fekir in the 26th minute. 3-assist night for #Messi | One of the reasons why he's the goat is bc he's also the best passer. pic.twitter.com/VPQlfYNeZ0 — FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) February 9, 2020 × Messi proved pivotal in the Catalans levelling right before halftime, delivering a free-kick into the path of Sergio Busquets who converted from close range. The Argentine was also able to pick out Lenglet for the winning strike, setting up a goal for the fifth time in three games. The topsy-turvy encounter was a fitting end to a dramatic week for Barca in which Ousmane Dembele sustained a serious injury, Messi lashed out at sporting director Eric Abidal and the team lost 1-0 at Athletic Bilbao to exit the Copa del Rey. "This is a hugely significant win for us because Betis are a great team and were being roared on by their fans at home," Barca coach Setien told a news conference. "This is a very important victory because it keeps us near the top of the table and it will give us a huge psychological boost." Barca, who hired Setien last month after sacking Ernesto Valverde, had not won away from home in the league since beating Atletico Madrid on Dec. 1 and were smarting from a recent defeat at Valencia as well as the last-gasp loss in the Cup to Bilbao. "It was so important for us to win after losing in the Cup in the last minute but we just had to keep playing in the same way and that's what we did," added Barca's Sergi Roberto. "It was vital that we found our form and started winning away from home again so we go home feeling happy."

Lionel Messi produces hat-trick of assists as Barcelona beat Betis

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../la-liga-fati-and-messi-connection-sees-barcelona -hold-on-against-levante-278199">Lionel Messi</a>&nbsp;criticised Barcelona sporting director Eric Abidal on Tuesday for saying many in the squad were not working hard under former coach Ernesto Valverde.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/lionel-messi-becomes-first-player-to-win-500-matches-in-spanish-football-277680">Lionel Messi becomes first player to win 500 matches in Spanish football history</a>

Abidal and president Josep Maria Bartomeu sacked Valverde in January, replacing the coach with Quique Setien.

Abidal, a former teammate of Messi, explained why Valverde was sacked despite the team being top of La Liga in an interview in Spanish newspaper Diario Sport.

Also read-&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/copa-del-rey-boost-for-setien-as-messi-leads-barca-rout-over-leganes-277671">Copa del Rey: Boost for Setien as Messi leads Barca rout over Leganes</a>

"Many players weren't satisfied or working hard and there was also an internal communication problem," said Abidal.

"The relationship between the coach and the dressing room has always been good but there are things as an ex-player that I could smell. I told the club what I thought and we reached a decision (on Valverde)."

Messi, however, hit back at Abidal in an Instagram post, circling an image of the sporting director's quote.

"Sincerely, I don't like to do these things but I think that people have to be responsible for their jobs and own their decisions," Messi wrote.

"The players (are responsible) for what happens on the pitch and we are the first to admit when we haven’t been good. The heads of the&nbsp;sports&nbsp;department have to take their responsibilities too and above all own the decisions they make.

"Finally I think that when you talk about players, you have to give names because if not, it makes everyone dirty and gives air to things that are said which are not true."

Abidal and Messi played together at Barcelona between 2007 and 2013, with the French defender returning to the club after retirement to become sporting director in June 2018.

In his interview with Diario Sport, Abidal also said he thought Messi was happy at the club and a new contract for the Argentine talisman was currently being negotiated.

Lionel Messi criticised Barcelona sporting director Eric Abidal on Tuesday for saying many in the squad were not working hard under former coach Ernesto Valverde.

Lionel Messi criticised Barcelona sporting director Eric Abidal on Tuesday for saying many in the squad were not working hard under former coach Ernesto Valverde. Also read: Lionel Messi becomes first player to win 500 matches in Spanish football history Abidal and president Josep Maria Bartomeu sacked Valverde in January, replacing the coach with Quique Setien. Abidal, a former teammate of Messi, explained why Valverde was sacked despite the team being top of La Liga in an interview in Spanish newspaper Diario Sport. Also read- Copa del Rey: Boost for Setien as Messi leads Barca rout over Leganes "Many players weren't satisfied or working hard and there was also an internal communication problem," said Abidal. "The relationship between the coach and the dressing room has always been good but there are things as an ex-player that I could smell. I told the club what I thought and we reached a decision (on Valverde)." Messi, however, hit back at Abidal in an Instagram post, circling an image of the sporting director's quote. "Sincerely, I don't like to do these things but I think that people have to be responsible for their jobs and own their decisions," Messi wrote. "The players (are responsible) for what happens on the pitch and we are the first to admit when we haven’t been good. The heads of the sports department have to take their responsibilities too and above all own the decisions they make. "Finally I think that when you talk about players, you have to give names because if not, it makes everyone dirty and gives air to things that are said which are not true." Abidal and Messi played together at Barcelona between 2007 and 2013, with the French defender returning to the club after retirement to become sporting director in June 2018. In his interview with Diario Sport, Abidal also said he thought Messi was happy at the club and a new contract for the Argentine talisman was currently being negotiated.

Messi fires back at Barca sporting director Abidal after jibe

Ansu Fati became the youngest player ever to score a brace in La Liga on Sunday by capitalising on two brilliant Lionel&nbsp;Messi&nbsp;assists to give Barcelona a 2-1 victory over Levante.&nbsp;

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G.O.A.T. NEWS | Leo <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Messi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Messi</a> is 🔝 in <a href="https://twitter.com/LaLigaEN?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@LaLigaEN</a> this season in both goals (14) AND assists (8). 🐐 Baaaa <a href="https://t.co/5MEjexEpbj">pic.twitter.com/5MEjexEpbj</a>
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBarcelona/status/1224094095901151237?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 2, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Fati, at 17 years and 94 days old, broke the previous record held by Juanmi Jimenez, who scored twice for Malaga against Real Zaragoza at 17 years and 115 days old in 2010.&nbsp;

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📚HISTORY | Today, Ansu Fati became the youngest player to ever score two goals in one game in <a href="https://twitter.com/LaLigaEN?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@LaLigaEN</a>. 🍼 <a href="https://t.co/lfJqKJzGYq">pic.twitter.com/lfJqKJzGYq</a>
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Messi&nbsp;teed up Fati's quick-fire double with a defence-splitting pass and then a trademark weaving run before Ruben Rochina scored Levante's goal in the 92nd minute, which really should have come sooner.

Barca reduce the gap at the top to three points behind Real Madrid and begin to regain some rhythm under new coach Quique Setien after Thursday's 5-0 thumping of Leganes in the Copa del Rey.&nbsp;

"We could have won 8-2 or 8-3," said Setien. "We lost a little control in the second half and conceded too much but it was a good job from the team."

Yet Levante should have converted more of a handful of excellent chances in the second half, that suggested Barcelona's defensive problems and fragility when in the lead are far from solved.&nbsp;

Leganes and Levante, who sit 18th and 13th respectively, offered a relatively straight-forward route back to winning ways too for Barcelona, who were wobbling last weekend when they followed a last-gasp win over Segunda side Ibiza with a convincing defeat by Valencia.&nbsp;

Setien, who replaced Ernesto Valverde as coach last month, found his methods questioned and there was evidence against Levante to suggest he may have decided to introduce his style of play more gradually.&nbsp;

Barca played with more urgency and ambition, their dominance of possession sacrificed occasionally for riskier passes forward.&nbsp;

Yet Levante also pressed high and left gaps to be exploited, despite the likes of Valencia and Granada enjoying more success against Setien's team by sitting deep and bursting out on the break.&nbsp;

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Fati has been one of the main beneficiaries of Setien's arrival.&nbsp;

He exploded onto the scene at the start of the season but was used increasingly rarely by Valverde, who may have been wary of burdening the teenager with too much too soon.&nbsp;

Instead, Setien has started Fati in all five of his games in charge so far and this was the first time his faith has really been rewarded.&nbsp;

"He is a boy who is emerging and has great potential," Setien said. "Today he had a historic day for his goals and for helping the team."

Messi's own excellent form also continues. He now has nine goals and four assists in his last 10 league games.&nbsp;

His first set-up for Fati came from the centre circle where he played a reverse pass through three Levante players that sent clear his teammate, who cut inside Jorge Miramon and finished.&nbsp;

Less than two minutes later, Fati was in again. Levante lost the ball upfield and Gerard Pique fired straight into&nbsp;Messi&nbsp;inside the right flank, midway inside the opposition's half.&nbsp;

He drove into the penalty area and when he finally stopped by a cluster of Levante chasers, he slid left to Fati, who fired through the legs of Aitor Fernandez for a second.&nbsp;

Nelson Semedo crashed a shot against the crossbar and then hopped over Tono only for Antoine Griezmann to tap wide at the front post.&nbsp;

But Levante were more dangerous in the second half and could have taken a draw if they had been more clinical with a handful of opportunities.&nbsp;

The best of them fell to Gonzalo Melero, who blazed over, and by the time Rochina's shot flew through one pair of legs and in off the hands of Marc-Andre ter Stegen, there were only two minutes remaining.&nbsp;

There was time for one Levante attack and Sergio Busquets' weak header gave Rochina another chance but he could not keep his shot down.&nbsp;

Sevilla and Real Sociedad both lost ground in the race for Champions League qualification as Getafe beat Athletic Bilbao to climb to third.&nbsp;

Real Sociedad lost 2-1 away at struggling Leganes while Sevilla were held to a 1-1 draw at home to Alaves.&nbsp;

In between, Getafe had carved out a 2-0 victory away at Bilbao to put them in pole position behind Real Madrid and Barcelona.

Jose Bordalas' team are now ahead of Sevilla on goal difference, while Real Sociedad are five points further back.

Getafe missed out on fourth on the final day of last season but they continue to prove their challenge was far from a one-off.&nbsp;

Ansu Fati became the youngest player ever to score a brace in La Liga on Sunday by capitalising on two brilliant Lionel Messi assists to give Barcelona a 2-1 victory over Levante.

Ansu Fati became the youngest player ever to score a brace in La Liga on Sunday by capitalising on two brilliant Lionel Messi assists to give Barcelona a 2-1 victory over Levante. G.O.A.T. NEWS | Leo #Messi is 🔝 in @LaLigaEN this season in both goals (14) AND assists (8). 🐐 Baaaa pic.twitter.com/5MEjexEpbj — FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) February 2, 2020 × Fati, at 17 years and 94 days old, broke the previous record held by Juanmi Jimenez, who scored twice for Malaga against Real Zaragoza at 17 years and 115 days old in 2010. 📚HISTORY | Today, Ansu Fati became the youngest player to ever score two goals in one game in @LaLigaEN. 🍼 pic.twitter.com/lfJqKJzGYq — FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) February 2, 2020 × Messi teed up Fati's quick-fire double with a defence-splitting pass and then a trademark weaving run before Ruben Rochina scored Levante's goal in the 92nd minute, which really should have come sooner. Barca reduce the gap at the top to three points behind Real Madrid and begin to regain some rhythm under new coach Quique Setien after Thursday's 5-0 thumping of Leganes in the Copa del Rey. "We could have won 8-2 or 8-3," said Setien. "We lost a little control in the second half and conceded too much but it was a good job from the team." Yet Levante should have converted more of a handful of excellent chances in the second half, that suggested Barcelona's defensive problems and fragility when in the lead are far from solved. Leganes and Levante, who sit 18th and 13th respectively, offered a relatively straight-forward route back to winning ways too for Barcelona, who were wobbling last weekend when they followed a last-gasp win over Segunda side Ibiza with a convincing defeat by Valencia. Setien, who replaced Ernesto Valverde as coach last month, found his methods questioned and there was evidence against Levante to suggest he may have decided to introduce his style of play more gradually. Barca played with more urgency and ambition, their dominance of possession sacrificed occasionally for riskier passes forward. Yet Levante also pressed high and left gaps to be exploited, despite the likes of Valencia and Granada enjoying more success against Setien's team by sitting deep and bursting out on the break. GAME OVER 💪🔵🔴 pic.twitter.com/0Nt4vVDNep — FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) February 2, 2020 × Fati has been one of the main beneficiaries of Setien's arrival. He exploded onto the scene at the start of the season but was used increasingly rarely by Valverde, who may have been wary of burdening the teenager with too much too soon. Instead, Setien has started Fati in all five of his games in charge so far and this was the first time his faith has really been rewarded. "He is a boy who is emerging and has great potential," Setien said. "Today he had a historic day for his goals and for helping the team." Messi's own excellent form also continues. He now has nine goals and four assists in his last 10 league games. His first set-up for Fati came from the centre circle where he played a reverse pass through three Levante players that sent clear his teammate, who cut inside Jorge Miramon and finished. Less than two minutes later, Fati was in again. Levante lost the ball upfield and Gerard Pique fired straight into Messi inside the right flank, midway inside the opposition's half. He drove into the penalty area and when he finally stopped by a cluster of Levante chasers, he slid left to Fati, who fired through the legs of Aitor Fernandez for a second. Nelson Semedo crashed a shot against the crossbar and then hopped over Tono only for Antoine Griezmann to tap wide at the front post. But Levante were more dangerous in the second half and could have taken a draw if they had been more clinical with a handful of opportunities. The best of them fell to Gonzalo Melero, who blazed over, and by the time Rochina's shot flew through one pair of legs and in off the hands of Marc-Andre ter Stegen, there were only two minutes remaining. There was time for one Levante attack and Sergio Busquets' weak header gave Rochina another chance but he could not keep his shot down. Sevilla and Real Sociedad both lost ground in the race for Champions League qualification as Getafe beat Athletic Bilbao to climb to third. Real Sociedad lost 2-1 away at struggling Leganes while Sevilla were held to a 1-1 draw at home to Alaves. In between, Getafe had carved out a 2-0 victory away at Bilbao to put them in pole position behind Real Madrid and Barcelona. Jose Bordalas' team are now ahead of Sevilla on goal difference, while Real Sociedad are five points further back. Getafe missed out on fourth on the final day of last season but they continue to prove their challenge was far from a one-off.

La Liga: Fati and Messi connection sees Barcelona hold on against Levante

Real Madrid twisted the knife into their wounded rivals Atletico Madrid as Karim Benzema fired them to a 1-0 home win in the city derby on Saturday which also underlined Real's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/la-liga-real-madrid-frustrated-by-athletic-and-fall-behind-barca-269641">La Liga</a> title credentials. Benzema's strike gave Real their first home <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/la-liga-sd-eibar-beat-atletico-madrid-for-first-time-in-league-history-275242">victory</a> over their neighbours in the league since 2012 and piled more pressure on Atleti coach Diego Simeone, who was subjected to taunts from the gleeful Santiago Bernabeu crowd.

The victory meant <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/real-madrid-keep-pace-with-barca-as-bale-suffers-hostile-reception-264159">Real </a>increased their lead over Barcelona at the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/la-liga-casemiros-double-against-sevilla-takes-real-madrid-top-of-table-275245">top of the table</a> to six points, although the Catalans can reduce the margin to three if they beat Levante on Sunday. Atletico are fifth and trail their local rivals by 13 points, while their injury problems deepened when striker Alvaro Morata limped off early in the second half with a suspected muscle problem.

French forward Benzema had not scored in his previous four league outings but broke the deadlock in the 56th minute of a tight game by side-footing home a cross from Ferland Mendy after coach Zinedine Zidane had sprung a double substitution. Zidane had begun the match with a compact narrow formation containing five midfielders but after failing to break down Atletico he hauled off Toni Kroos and Isco at the start of the second half for natural wingers Lucas Vazquez and Vinicius Jr.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/real-beat-atletico-on-penalties-to-win-11th-spanish-super-cup-273840">Real Madrid defeat Atletico Madrid on penalties to lift 11th Spanish Super Cup</a>

<img alt="Benzema " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="08487b16-6076-4308-b672-3d24a772c1d8" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202020-02-02T123741.230.jpg" /> 
[&nbsp;Madrid's Karim Benzema celebrates scoring their first goal (Courtesy: Reuters) ]

The change instantly gave Real more width and Brazilian teenager Vinicius helped burst open a stubborn Atletico with some patient play in midfield, taking out three defenders by releasing Mendy, who needed only one touch to pick out Benzema. "I wasn't happy with what I was seeing on the pitch so I made the chances to give us more wing play and more pressure in attack but it wasn't the players' fault, it was mine," Zidane told reporters.

"The substitutions changed the game but I don't like taking players off after the first half because it's harsh on the players but it's what I had to do. We were much better in the second half and I think we deserved the victory," he added. Atletico rarely looked like troubling a Real defence that has only conceded 13 goals in 22 league games this season, although they had a strong penalty appeal turned down when Casemiro sent Morata to the ground in the first half.

Morata's injury swelled Atletico's list of injured players to seven, less than three weeks before they are due to host holders Liverpool in the last 16 of the Champions League. The Argentine has transformed Atletico's fortunes during his tenure including four wins at the Bernabeu but on this occasion, he was subjected to derisory from the home crowd, who chanted "Simeone please stay" as the final whistle approached. 
&nbsp;

Real Madrid twisted the knife into their wounded rivals Atletico Madrid as Karim Benzema fired them to a 1-0 home win in the city derby on Saturday which also underlined Real's La Liga title credentials.

Real Madrid twisted the knife into their wounded rivals Atletico Madrid as Karim Benzema fired them to a 1-0 home win in the city derby on Saturday which also underlined Real's La Liga title credentials. Benzema's strike gave Real their first home victory over their neighbours in the league since 2012 and piled more pressure on Atleti coach Diego Simeone, who was subjected to taunts from the gleeful Santiago Bernabeu crowd. The victory meant Real increased their lead over Barcelona at the top of the table to six points, although the Catalans can reduce the margin to three if they beat Levante on Sunday. Atletico are fifth and trail their local rivals by 13 points, while their injury problems deepened when striker Alvaro Morata limped off early in the second half with a suspected muscle problem. French forward Benzema had not scored in his previous four league outings but broke the deadlock in the 56th minute of a tight game by side-footing home a cross from Ferland Mendy after coach Zinedine Zidane had sprung a double substitution. Zidane had begun the match with a compact narrow formation containing five midfielders but after failing to break down Atletico he hauled off Toni Kroos and Isco at the start of the second half for natural wingers Lucas Vazquez and Vinicius Jr. Also Read: Real Madrid defeat Atletico Madrid on penalties to lift 11th Spanish Super Cup [ Madrid's Karim Benzema celebrates scoring their first goal (Courtesy: Reuters) ] The change instantly gave Real more width and Brazilian teenager Vinicius helped burst open a stubborn Atletico with some patient play in midfield, taking out three defenders by releasing Mendy, who needed only one touch to pick out Benzema. "I wasn't happy with what I was seeing on the pitch so I made the chances to give us more wing play and more pressure in attack but it wasn't the players' fault, it was mine," Zidane told reporters. "The substitutions changed the game but I don't like taking players off after the first half because it's harsh on the players but it's what I had to do. We were much better in the second half and I think we deserved the victory," he added. Atletico rarely looked like troubling a Real defence that has only conceded 13 goals in 22 league games this season, although they had a strong penalty appeal turned down when Casemiro sent Morata to the ground in the first half. Morata's injury swelled Atletico's list of injured players to seven, less than three weeks before they are due to host holders Liverpool in the last 16 of the Champions League. The Argentine has transformed Atletico's fortunes during his tenure including four wins at the Bernabeu but on this occasion, he was subjected to derisory from the home crowd, who chanted "Simeone please stay" as the final whistle approached.

Real Madrid vs. Atletico Madrid; Karim Benzema scores home win

La Liga boss <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../barcelona-planning-for-post-messi-era-says- club-president-238819">Javier Tebas</a> is known for being ruthless in spreading the La Liga fever&nbsp;across the globe to earn revenue.&nbsp;

Also read-&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/barcelona-sack-its-manager-valverde-setien-to-step-in-for-the-role-274138">Barcelona sack manager Valverde, Setien to step in for the role</a>

Chief Executive, Javier Tebas, previously was&nbsp;in talks with China and the United States earlier for holding league games outside Spain.&nbsp;

Also read-&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/spanish-super-cups-format-relocation-to-saudi-arabia-due-to-footballs-desire-for-money-says-valverde-273188">Spanish Super Cup's format, relocation to Saudi Arabia due to football's desire for money says Valverde</a>

But Javier Tebas is not willing to let La Liga&nbsp;teams play in Saudi Arabia.&nbsp;

Ex-Barcelona manager Ernesto Valverde had said upon arriving in Riyadh for the Spanish Supercup semifinals: “The bottom line is football has become a business and as a business, it looks for income,”. But for Tebas, "Money is not the only thing that matters,".

Saudi Arabia is hosting several sporting events such as title fights in professional boxing, WWE matches, motor car races, and tennis matches.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Saudi Arabia, under Mohammad Bin Salman, has been trying to revamp its image in front of the world which received a setback after Khashoggi's murder.&nbsp;

Javier Tebas&nbsp;does not want any Spanish League's teams to play in Saudi Arabia since&nbsp;he thinks it is&nbsp;an attempt to burnish their reputation amid widespread accusation of humans rights violations. Saudi Arabia officials are suspected to have a hand in Jammal Khashoggi's murder. “We should not forget what happened,” Tebas said about&nbsp;the incident.

“The Saudi Arabian government has a policy whereby they improve the image of the government through sport, whitewashing their image, and we all have a responsibility there,” Tebas told reporters last week in London. Tebas unveiled a new British television channel that will focus on La Liga, which is the league overseas venture.&nbsp;

Spanish Federations defended their decision to hold the Spanish Super Cup earlier this month by saying that it was a "social tool"&nbsp;for change.

La Liga boss Javier Tebas is known for being ruthless in spreading the La Liga fever across the globe to earn revenue. Also read- Barcelona sack manager Valverde, Setien to step in for the role Chief Executive, Javier Tebas, previously was in talks with China and the United States earlier for holding league games outside Spain.

La Liga boss Javier Tebas is known for being ruthless in spreading the La Liga fever across the globe to earn revenue. Also read- Barcelona sack manager Valverde, Setien to step in for the role Chief Executive, Javier Tebas, previously was in talks with China and the United States earlier for holding league games outside Spain. Also read- Spanish Super Cup's format, relocation to Saudi Arabia due to football's desire for money says Valverde But Javier Tebas is not willing to let La Liga teams play in Saudi Arabia. Ex-Barcelona manager Ernesto Valverde had said upon arriving in Riyadh for the Spanish Supercup semifinals: “The bottom line is football has become a business and as a business, it looks for income,”. But for Tebas, "Money is not the only thing that matters,". Saudi Arabia is hosting several sporting events such as title fights in professional boxing, WWE matches, motor car races, and tennis matches. Saudi Arabia, under Mohammad Bin Salman, has been trying to revamp its image in front of the world which received a setback after Khashoggi's murder. Javier Tebas does not want any Spanish League's teams to play in Saudi Arabia since he thinks it is an attempt to burnish their reputation amid widespread accusation of humans rights violations. Saudi Arabia officials are suspected to have a hand in Jammal Khashoggi's murder. “We should not forget what happened,” Tebas said about the incident. “The Saudi Arabian government has a policy whereby they improve the image of the government through sport, whitewashing their image, and we all have a responsibility there,” Tebas told reporters last week in London. Tebas unveiled a new British television channel that will focus on La Liga, which is the league overseas venture. Spanish Federations defended their decision to hold the Spanish Super Cup earlier this month by saying that it was a "social tool" for change.

'Money is not the only thing that matters': La Liga boss on not playing in Saudi Arabia

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../real-beat-atletico-on-penalties-to-win-11th- spanish-super-cup-273840">Real Madrid</a> midfielder Casemiro produced a performance worthy of a top striker by scoring twice in a 2-1 win for Zinedine Zidane's side over Sevilla&nbsp;on Saturday that took them top of&nbsp;La&nbsp;Liga&nbsp;for at least 24 hours.

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5⃣ Tackles! 
1⃣1⃣ Recoveries! 
 
Complete performance from <a href="https://twitter.com/Casemiro?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Casemiro</a> in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RealMadridSevillaFC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RealMadridSevillaFC</a>. 💯💫 <a href="https://t.co/cAENtEs8FI">pic.twitter.com/cAENtEs8FI</a>
— LaLiga (@LaLigaEN) <a href="https://twitter.com/LaLigaEN/status/1218715700459642880?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 19, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Sevilla, however, were left fuming by the decision to rule out a first-half header from Luuk de Jong from a corner after a VAR review of a challenge by midfielder Nemanja Gudelj on Real defender Eder Militao.

Brazilian <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../supercopa-quick-thinking-kroos-helps-real-to- final-273097">Casemiro</a>, initially deployed as a holding midfielder, broke the deadlock in the 57th minute with an ice-cool dinked finish after a back-heel from Serbian forward Luka Jovic released him in the area.

Sevilla&nbsp;levelled in the 64th with a curled effort from Dutch striker De Jong which was allowed to stand even though the ball had bounced off the elbow of forward Munir El Haddadi in the build-up.

Casemiro dragged Real back in front moments&nbsp;later with a towering header, taking his side first in the standings on 43 points after 20 games, three ahead of champions Barcelona who host Granada on Sunday.

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Real Madrid take the top spot in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LaLigaSantander?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LaLigaSantander</a> after their win at the Bernabeu. 🔝💜 <a href="https://t.co/WQT3RbXqWe">pic.twitter.com/WQT3RbXqWe</a>
— LaLiga (@LaLigaEN) <a href="https://twitter.com/LaLigaEN/status/1218655726329114624?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 18, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Sevilla's sporting director Monchi was furious with the decision to rule out the first goal for the tangle between Gudelj and Militao.

"It's the type of thing you see all the time, and I refuse to analyse the game after that because that moment was key and it's absurd to try and give any analysis after a goal like that was ruled out," he told reporters.

"If they had ruled out our other goal, I would have gone down to the pitch and ordered my players to leave."

Sevilla&nbsp;coach Julen Lopetegui added: "I cannot understand how they could rule out that goal, there is no reason at all."

Real Madrid midfielder Casemiro produced a performance worthy of a top striker by scoring twice in a 2-1 win for Zinedine Zidane's side over Sevilla on Saturday that took them top of La Liga for at least 24 hours.

Real Madrid midfielder Casemiro produced a performance worthy of a top striker by scoring twice in a 2-1 win for Zinedine Zidane's side over Sevilla on Saturday that took them top of La Liga for at least 24 hours. 5⃣ Tackles! 1⃣1⃣ Recoveries! Complete performance from @Casemiro in #RealMadridSevillaFC. 💯💫 pic.twitter.com/cAENtEs8FI — LaLiga (@LaLigaEN) January 19, 2020 × Sevilla, however, were left fuming by the decision to rule out a first-half header from Luuk de Jong from a corner after a VAR review of a challenge by midfielder Nemanja Gudelj on Real defender Eder Militao. Brazilian Casemiro, initially deployed as a holding midfielder, broke the deadlock in the 57th minute with an ice-cool dinked finish after a back-heel from Serbian forward Luka Jovic released him in the area. Sevilla levelled in the 64th with a curled effort from Dutch striker De Jong which was allowed to stand even though the ball had bounced off the elbow of forward Munir El Haddadi in the build-up. Casemiro dragged Real back in front moments later with a towering header, taking his side first in the standings on 43 points after 20 games, three ahead of champions Barcelona who host Granada on Sunday. Real Madrid take the top spot in #LaLigaSantander after their win at the Bernabeu. 🔝💜 pic.twitter.com/WQT3RbXqWe — LaLiga (@LaLigaEN) January 18, 2020 × Sevilla's sporting director Monchi was furious with the decision to rule out the first goal for the tangle between Gudelj and Militao. "It's the type of thing you see all the time, and I refuse to analyse the game after that because that moment was key and it's absurd to try and give any analysis after a goal like that was ruled out," he told reporters. "If they had ruled out our other goal, I would have gone down to the pitch and ordered my players to leave." Sevilla coach Julen Lopetegui added: "I cannot understand how they could rule out that goal, there is no reason at all."

La Liga: Casemiro's double against Sevilla takes Real Madrid top of table

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