Neymar’s red rocks Barca

– Neymar (above) was sent off as Barcelona lost further ground on Real Madrid at the top of La Liga in a shock 2-0 defeat to Malaga on Saturday.

Real are now three points clear and have a game in hand despite Antoine Griezmann’s classy finish five minutes from time snatching a 1-1 draw for Atletico Madrid earlier at the Santiago Bernabeu.

However, Real can now afford to lose to Barca at home in two weeks’ time and still have a first title in five years in their own hands.

Neymar picked up the first red card of his Barcelona career for two bookable offences as the Catalans were left to rue letting Sandro Ramirez join Malaga for free last summer.

Sandro exposed some awful defending from Jeremy Mathieu to sprint clear on goal and slot past Marc-Andre ter Stegen at his near post.

Malaga finally picked off the 10 men in the final minute when Pablo Fornals unselfishly squared for Jony to smash home from close range.

Barca’s defeat meant Real’s disappointment earlier in the day was short lived.

Pepe’s towering header early in the second half looked to have Real heading five points clear at the top in the Madrid derby.

French international Griezmann wasn’t to be denied from an excellent through-ball from Angel Correa with five minutes remaining, however, as he coolly fired past the advancing Navas at the near post for his 23rd goal of the season.

“We know we are a strong team with an incredible mentality,” Griezmann said after the game.

“I could see my team-mates had confidence, desire and the truth is we played a great game.” – AFP