Barcelona, Real Madrid cling to race with new wins

By Muhammed Enes Calli

ANKARA (AA) - Barcelona defeated Granada 1-0 in their first game with new manager Quique Setien, securing the lead in La Liga.

The only goal of the game was scored by Lionel Messi in the 76th minute, as Granada's central defender German Sanchez was sent off in the 69th minute.

With this victory, Setien began his new career with a narrow win at the Nou Camp.

Barcelona appointed former Real Betis manager Setien from Spain, as a new head coach on Jan. 13 to replace his compatriot Ernesto Valverde.

Title contenders Real Madrid beat Sevilla 2-1 at home to continue the title chase with leaders Barcelona.

Barcelona and Real Madrid are currently in a nail-biting title race in Spain as each club has 43 points, but Real Madrid came second on goal difference at the end of week 20.

Atletico Madrid suffered a setback in the title race as they were defeated by Eibar 2-0 in an away match.

They sit in third place with 35 points, while Sevilla are in the fourth spot with goal differences.

Real Mallorca had a stunning victory in Sunday's league match, hammering Valencia 4-1 at home.

Valencia currently have 31 points to be in the seventh position.

- Juventus superstar Ronaldo goes down club history

Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo made his way into Juventus' history with two goals in his club's 2-1 win over Parma at the Allianz Stadium, Turin.

Ronaldo equalized the record of a former Juve forward David Trezeguet from France.

The Portuguese international scored goals in seven consecutive Serie A matches this season as Trezeguet did in 2005.

Belgian forward Romelu Lukaku-led Inter Milan dropped two points in the title race after a draw against Lecce 1-1 in an away match.

Juventus earned 51 points to be on the top of the league table, four points ahead of second-placed Inter Milan.

Roma defeated Genoa 3-1 in an away match to end their two-match losing streak in the Serie A.

They are in the fourth spot with 38 points.

Roma's arch-rivals, Lazio, had 45 points to come third in the league.

"Biancocelesti" (White and Sky Blues) had an 11-game winning run, a rarity for an Italian team.