MADRID — Fermin Lopez and Marcus Rashford’s goals took Barcelona to the brink of the La Liga title with a 2-0 win at Getafe.
Later on, Atletico Madrid edged Athletic Bilbao 3-2 to build confidence ahead of their UEFA Champions League semi-final against Arsenal.
Defending Spanish champions Barca moved 11 points clear of second-place Real Madrid, who drew at Real Betis on Friday to dent their hopes of finishing the season with a trophy, AFP reported.
Hansi Flick’s side can win their second consecutive Spanish title if they overcome Osasuna next weekend and Real Madrid fail to beat Espanyol.
“It’s not done, we have five more games and we’re only focused on the next one,” Flick told reporters. “We will celebrate when it’s time, but not now.”
Barcelona was without vital injured wingers Lamine Yamal and Raphinha but still did enough to see off Jose Bordalas’s tricky side, sixth, in the Madrid suburbs.
“We know we’ve got a big advantage (in the title race), but even so, we can’t relax, I know it’s a cliche but it’s the truth,” said Lopez.
Getafe set out to disrupt Barcelona’s rhythm with small fouls and Barca struggled to create many clear opportunities.
They made the breakthrough just before halftime when Pedri played in Lopez, who slotted home.
The midfielder imitated Yamal’s usual “304” celebration in tribute to the injured teenage star.
“The truth is he’s really important for us, it’s a shame that he can’t play anymore, but the important thing is that he recovers well and is ready for the World Cup,” added Lopez.
With Getafe needing to come out of their shell to find an equaliser, Barca had more opportunities after the break.
Martin Satriano threatened for the hosts before Rashford, on loan from Manchester United, secured Barcelona’s triumph.
Robert Lewandowski sent the England international charging through on goal and he slipped a low effort past Soria to help Barca put one hand on the trophy.
Alexander Sorloth struck twice as Atletico Madrid defeated Athletic to gain some momentum, but Diego Simeone’s side were left sweating on the fitness of midfielder Pablo Barrios, who walked off injured midway through the second half.
Atletico have little to play for in La Liga, sitting fourth and now 10 points clear of Real Betis in fifth.
