Aspas earns point to deny Barcelona
BARCELONA remain unbeaten in La Liga but a much-changed side were made to work hard for a 2-2 draw at Celta Vigo.
Ousmane Dembele’s first La Liga goal put Barca, who had one eye on Saturday’s Copa del Rey final against Sevilla, ahead but defender Jonny Castro Otto equalised on the stroke of half-time.
Paulinho restored the visitors’ lead but Sergi Roberto was sent off after 71 minutes for pulling down Iago Aspas, who made it 2-2 with eight minutes left.
Vigo substitute Lucas Boye saw a late effort cleared off the line as Barca held out to extend their unbeaten league run to 40 matches and move 12 points ahead of second-placed Atletico Madrid.
LIVERPOOL midfielder Adam Lallana has travelled to South Africa to receive specialist treatment in his rehabilitation from a hamstring injury.
The 29-year-old is receiving treatment at the Sports Science Institute in Cape Town, after making just three starts and 10 substitute appearances in an injury-ravaged season which did not start until late November because of a thigh injury.
There have been a couple of recurrences of that problem while his latest comeback was ended prematurely on March 31 when he was on the pitch for just five minutes before a hamstring injury forced him off.
RAFA BENITEZ has claimed he is relaxed about his future at Newcastle United and is willing to discuss a contract extension, despite being flattered by suggestions he would be a good choice to replace Arsene Wenger at Arsenal.
Asked by Spanish radio if he saw himself at Newcastle for many more seasons, Benitez said: “Yes, in principle, we are relaxed. I have one more year on my contract and now the board are trying to talk about the future.”
Whether that stance would change if Arsenal were to make an approach is unclear, but there has been no suggestion, at this stage, that the London club are interested in him replacing Wenger.
Benitez added: “The fact that you get linked, it is something positive because it makes you proud of your career trajectory.”