Title race: Real Madrid 2-2 Valencia

1. Ronaldo misses penalty on half-time
2. Last games before league is suspended
3. Barcelona beat Real Sociedad 2-0
4. Catalans go five clear for now
5. Get involved using #bbceurofooty on Twitter

Good night

That's if it all goes ahead next weekend of course - expect this week to be full of twists and turns as the dispute over television rights in Spanish football goes on.

Until then, we will be seeing you.

Real had 29 shots on goal. 29!

For my money Valencia more than deserved their point though - they should be safe to take fourth and a place in next year's Champions League, with Sevilla now four points behind.

Barcelona can wrap the title up in Madrid next weekend - away to Atletico, in a mirror image of last year, when Atletico were crowned champions at the Nou Camp.

A brilliant match for the neutral too Ben.

How many times did Real hit the woodwork? Seven or so? And when they weren't busy conspiring to hit the post or bar Diego Alves was finding ways to save his Valencia team with some brilliant saves - not least from Cristiano Ronaldo's penalty.

Factor in the injury to Toni Kroos and it has been a very rough night for Carlo Ancelotti's side.

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Ben Ramage: Valencia I could kiss you! Best game of the season so far, could have been 5-5. La Liga is Barca's!

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Real are still to play Espanyol and Getafe, while Barca have got the tougher run-in - Atletico Madrid and Deportivo.

But one win from those two games will see Luis Enrique's side crowned champions. That really should be that and the Real players seem to know it as they salute the home crowd.

No league title for them since 2012...

FULL-TIME

And that is that.

Barca go four points clear, with two games left.

Ay ay ay!

Pepe gets his head to it, Diego Alves spoons up onto the bar, the crowd is willing the ball in but it's all in vain - the referee had blown up for a foul anyway.

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The last minute. Real force two corners, Marcelo works space and shoots but it's blocked.

Asier Illaramendi then buys a free-kick in dangerous territory. Last chance saloon...

Valencia break but again Alvaro Negredo doesn't have the quality required at the vital moment.

Time is running out for Real. Barcelona can go out and get their Cava if it stays like this...

Sofiane Feghoulioi jinks past Marcelo with a stepover, nutmegs Isco... it's pretty but Real win it back, James Rodriguez lines up a shot on the edge of the box but its well blocked...

YELLOW CARD

Real look to break down the right but Dani Parejo says no - and goes in the book for a cynical foul.

INJURY TIME

From a Real corner Pepe nods a header at the far post - it's wide and he is angry.

There are FIVE minutes to play, stoppage time. Here we go...

SUBSTITUTION

... foul in the box though. Real have the free-kick and Valencia waste a bit more time with their final change.

Pablo Piatti is off, Lucas Orban on.

Valencia haven't give up hope of the three points yet though - a win would see them sitting comfortably in fourth place. They force a corner...

... but it's deflected wide for a corner. James Rodriguez plays it too deep but Real are building from the back, roared on by the home support.

One more goal! Three minutes plus stoppage time to find it.

Free-kick Real.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale discuss, and Ronaldo plants the ball down in dangerous range....

There was only one way to get past Diego Alves tonight and Isco knew it.

That's set us up nicely for a five-minute grandstand finish. One goal and Real are right back in the title race.

GOAL

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That is more like it! Isco finds the net with a curled effort from outside the box. Real could have done with that about 20 minutes ago though - surely there's no time?

Alvaro Negredo again - where is his finishing today? The Manchester City striker, on loan at Valencia, heads wide as Real are let off the hook for an umpteeth time.

Down the other end Javier Hernandez ain't gonna beat Diego Alves with that - a tame effort straight at the keeper, who has been brilliant tonight.

They may be taking their time with it but all of this is deserved - Valencia are piling on the pressure and force another corner, Jose Luis Gaya again firing wildly on goal as the move breaks down.

It's back with Real but they've lost all of their zip. Sergio Ramos gives the ball away in midfield and Alvaro Negredo lunges at the ball on the edge of the box. It's well over but could have been so much worse.

Sofiane Feghouli expertly displaying the sadly not lost art of delaying a throw in. 'Yeah I'll take it... Ah actually no you can have it', he mimes, pointing to the player furthest away on the pitch.

SUBSTITUTION

Another change for Valencia. Rodrigo De Paul on to replace Andre Gomes.

Join the debate at #bbceurofooty

Alando Clemz: Seems Marca won't have any headlines tomorrow since Bale's doing well. Always negative about Bale.

David Rawlings: Pepe reminds me of a more expensive modern Ramon Vega, an absolute liability but somehow a regular goalscorer! Game on.

Wale Ibraheem: Madrid's season and the future of Carlo Ancelotti might be determined by the result of this match and the next one on Wednesday.

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Alves is well enough to restart play with a free-kick but that little interlude has eaten into Real's remaining get-out time.

Just 15 minutes to go now. Two goals or else it's advantage Barcelona.

CLOSE!

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Sergio Ramos with the header as James Rodriguez lifts it in but again Diego Alves is equal to it!

He's having a splendid night, and at the moment is telling the referee all about it with the physio coming on to give him some magic spray.

YELLOW CARD

Shkodran Mustafi - the former Everton defender let go by David Moyes - again rises highest at a Valencia corner and again misses the target. Over the past 10 minutes Valencia have looked strongest.

But Javi Fuego goes in the book and it's free-kick Real...

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Real are out of changes of course - they have to do this with what they've got out there, and with Juventus to come on Wednesday in the Champions League semi-finals.

Valencia are showing no sighs of fatigue, sweeping the ball deep into Real territory from a goal-kick.

SUBSTITUTION

Alvaro Negredo is on, Paco Alcacer off for Valencia as Cristiano Ronaldo fires a free-kick wide. Much ado about a foot-wide shot.

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James Rodriguez, Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale. We touched on Javier Hernandez not really fitting in earlier but surely there's two more goals out of those four?

The clock is ticking...

Valencia's thoughts now are with keeping the ball high up the pitch. There's good interplay form Paco Alcacer and Sofiane Feghouli up top but again Jose Luis Gaya hasn't read the script - he gives the ball away with a wayward shot.

Real have men over if Cristiano Ronaldo can find them but no, it breaks down.

Jose Luis Gaya is forgetting all about his battle with Gareth Bale now - the Valencia left-back scampers forward to fire a dangerous-looking low cross that beats everybody in the box.

How much more are Real prepared to risk? The title is slipping away from them here.

Just when Real seem to be building Valencia pop up with a reminder of how they ended up storming into a 2-0 lead as an Iker Casillas goal-kick is chased down.

But this game is opening up massively as Real then momentarily have four on four at the back. The move breaks down though, before Gareth Bale wastes another good chance with a poor delivery.

YELLOW CARD

Sergio Ramos and Nicolas Otamendi are booked. They deserve each other.

Ramos, and Pepe on a yellow? That can only spell trouble...

GOAL

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Real with one back! Moments after Gareth Bale misses a great chance at the far post Pepe rises from a corner and powers home with a header that puts Carlo Ancelotti's side right back in it.

Just two more...

Lovely one-touch passing football as Valencia play a free-kick conceded by Sergio Ramos (that other serial fouler) earns a corner but Real clear.

The home side are willing them forward on the counter but Sofiane Feghouli breaks it up.

Reuters

Cristiano Ronaldo with a free-kick that for once nearly justifies the stage directions that accompany his run-up - Diego Alves racing out off his line to punch a dangerous-looking cross clear.

As Real turn the screw Valencia then scramble it out for a corner, Gareth Bale has a header punched over by Alves but the referee's pulled it back - Pepe has been throwing his weight around in the box.

CLOSE!

Dani Parejo's delivery has been superb tonight. The former Real man laid it on a plate for Javi Fuego to put Valencia two up and it should be three as Shkodran Mustafi rises beautifully to head wide from a corner. A big miss.

YELLOW CARD

The last thing Real need is Pepe on a yellow card. That story's only gonna end up one way...

But the Portuguese is booked for a heavy challenge in the air as Valencia look to break. Well done ref.

CLOSE!

EPA

First sight of goal goes to Javier Hernandez - he fires one in from a tight angle, blocked back out by Diego Alves.

KICK-OFF

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We are back under way. Will changing the two wing-backs bring Real back into this? Let's hope there are no more injuries - Carlo Ancelotti's used up his quota.

Kick-off is imminent.

And at the break Carlo Ancelotti has used up his remaining two substitutes with Marcelo and Dani Carvajal on for Alvaro Arbeloa and Fabio Coentrao.

So as it stands Barcelona are laughing. Luis Enrique's side - on course for a treble by the way - are five points clear of Real with two games left.

Are Real bottling this? They've fallen seriously foul of lady luck tonight but the form book suggests this should be Barca's title.

In Real's six games against the Spanish top four this season, they've won just once, against Barca at the Bernabeu.

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Shohidur Rahman: Ronaldo's penalty miss was definitely Bale's fault...

Dan Brown: If Bale hadn't won that penalty there's no way Ronaldo would have missed it.

Harrison: Players that received all the stick when their team loses: Cesc Fabregas for Barca, Gareth Bale for Madrid, Jon Obi Mikel for Chelsea.

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It's all kicking off in Madrid. What a first half.

Valencia with two killer punches to take a lead deserved for their dogged, adventurous performance so far.

Real have had none of the luck though - they've hit the woodwork, what, five times? Throw in a Cristiano Ronaldo missed penalty and you're talking lottery-winning odds.

HALF-TIME

Was that in the right spot for a goalkeeper? Well sort of, yeah. But Ronaldo absolutely thumped it, it's a great stop from Alves.

Penalty Saved

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And Cristiano Ronaldo is denied! Diego Alves dives low to his left and stops it. What a moment, on the stroke of half-time.

PENALTY

Gareth Bale takes a tumble in the box and the referee points to the spot. Jose Luis Gaya is the guilty man, but it looks soft.

Ronaldo is in the thick of it though, naturally. He and about half of the stadium want a penalty as the Portuguese is beaten to a Gareth Bale cut-back by three Valencia players, each launched themselves desperately at the ball.

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Who's it to be then? Cristiano Ronaldo?

Asier Illarramendi flashes a volley from the outside of the box. Paul Scholes-esque.

Just under five minutes to go before half-time. There must be more goals in this surely. But before the break?

Gareth Bale skips into an acre of space cutting back on the right-wing, his cross forces a corner and Sergio Ramos should do better as the ball drops.

HITS THE WOODWORK

This really is getting ridiculous. Javier Hernandez is the latest Real player to be denied by the post.

Should he score? Gareth Bale puts it on a plate with him after an incisive one-two, but the Mexican's shot was scuffed. It bobbles back off the upright.

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Gareth Williams: What's the betting Gareth Bale gets the blame for this if Madrid lose?!

JavelBleach: Real losing 2-0 to Valencia! And in other news, Zidane now has all his coaching badges.

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AFP

Javier Hernandez gets the biggest cheer of the night so far - the Mexican closes down a Diego Alves kick but the ball loops back to a Valencia man.

You can't say Real have been poor. Valencia have been brilliant so far.

What's all the commotion lads? A score of players collapse over each other in the aftermath of a Real corner - at one stage there's six down in the Valencia box.

The referee's verdict? Free-kick to the away side.

Sergio Ramos is far more comfortable in central defence but Real could do with an extra man in midfield here. Valencia are sitting very deep indeed.

Real are quick in their movement - Cristiano Ronaldo overlapping with James Rodriguez - but there's plenty back to cover.

Gareth Bale is at the centre of everything here. Full of energy, he is called out by the referee for a clumsy challenge searching for a loose ball.

Daniel Parejo is down, earning a bit of a breather for his team.

GREAT SAVE!

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Here's Gareth - the Welshman launches a fiercely swerving left-foot shot which is clawed away by a panic-stricken Diego Alves. Bale's stunning strike matched only by the quality of the save.

First things first though, Real need to get a hold of the ball. At the moment Valencia are content to let them have it in front of them - but any sign of a loose pass and the away side pounce on the counter.

It's absorbing stuff. Where is Carlo Ancelotti going to get three goals from?

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Wow. The home fans are stunned by this. Two killer punches from Valencia are threatening to derail Real's title push.

They need a response now. Where are you Cristiano, Gareth?

GOAL

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Pepe - why are you so deep? The Portuguese plays Javi Fuego onside as the defensive midfielder nods home, back to goal, to double Valencia's lead from a free-kick. Sensational!

SUBSTITUTION

More bad news for Real, especially with Juventus to come on Wednesday. Toni Kroos is off with an injury. Replaced by Asier Illarramendi.

YELLOW CARD

Valencia have come here to win. There's no doubt about it. Andre Gomes can't find Pablo Piatti with a through ball as Real are nearly exposed on the break again.

Gomes then surges through midfield but is scythed down by Alvaro Arbeloa - yellow card.

Will Barca be watching this in the dressing room with a post-match horchata?

At the moment they are five points clear, with two games to play.

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The goal hasn't knocked anything out of Real though. Cristiano Ronaldo with an overhead blocked in the box before Toni Kroos thunders over from outside the penalty area on the rebound.

Ronaldo punches the air in frustration.

GOAL

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Talk about against the run of play! Jose Luis Gaya curls in a cross and Paco Alacacer grits his teeth, launches himself ahead of Pepe and stabs home beyond Iker Casillas as Valencia counter.

Pretty it ain't but sensational stuff as the home crowd are stunned.

HITS THE WOODWORK

Come on now, are you serious? Cristiano Ronaldo now with a header that cannons back off the bar, from a James Rodriguez outswinging corner. How many times?

HITS THE WOODWORK

Gareth Bale hits the bar again but it's offside anyway. A bit of a let-off for both him and Valencia in truth - that would have gone down as a glaring miss, about eight yards from goal.

Good pressure from Real though, who are growing into it.

YELLOW CARD

Jose Luis Gaya is showing is years there with a foul on Isco that puts him in the book. Round two v Gareth Bale should be interesting now.

What would that goal have done for Gareth Bale's confidence? He's come under a lot of criticism. Some perhaps deserving of the world's most expensive player, some perhaps not.

But that free-kick would have sparked a few flurries of word-eating. Until the next time of course.

HITS THE WOODWORK

Gaya v Bale round one - free-kick Real Madrid. The 19-year-old left-back came through Bale on the edge of the box.

The Welshman is standing over it... perfect territory... And it crashes back off the bar! Agonisingly close for the Welshman!

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Gareth Bale on the right wing, Cristiano Ronaldo on the left, James Rodriguez through the middle with Javier Hernandez up top. Can you spot the odd one out?

Did the whistle go? Real Madrid stopped and Paco Alcacer was in - he looped the ball over Iker Casillas but judging by his reaction, he thought play had been called back.

That is a real let off for the home side - they wanted a free-kick for a foul on Pepe in the build-up.

Gareth Bale now gets a little shove from Jose Luis Gaya, the Valencia left-back.

It'll be really interesting to see who comes out on top in a sprint between those two. Gaya is rapido.

First moment of interest from Gareth Bale - the Welshman pokes in a cross from the right-wing with the outside of his left foot - it's too high and is cleared.

Pablo Piatti swings in a Valencia corner but the referee blows up for shoving in the box. A real sharp start from the away side. Carlo Ancelotti's eyebrow is pacing around the technical area already.

I do like the yellow and orange away kit Valencia have got on today. They're all one-touch passes and overlaps as they try to break as quickly as possible whenever they get the ball.

Real are moving the ball with speed too, stroking it around from left-back to right-wing.

CLOSE!

Paco Alcacer - do you read these pages? Straight from the off he's at the Real back four and fires a long-range effort, palmed wide by Iker Casillas.

Corner but it's cleared. Not the start Carlo Ancelotti would have been expecting.

KICK-OFF

We are under way in Madrid.

Kick off is imminent at the Estadio Bernabeu. Real Madrid are looking to keep pace with Barcelona at the top of La Liga.

Luis Enrique's side went five points clear by beating Real Sociedad 2-0, just now.

For Valencia, this is all about consolidating fourth spot and a place in the Champions League next season.

I saw an interesting interview with Paco Alcacer in El Pais earlier today - "You don't have to be selfish to be a top scorer" was the stand-out line. True that, Paco, but I should think Cristiano Ronaldo would have something rather different to say.

The stats certainly suggest so. Ronaldo's on 54 goals from 50 games this season. Alcacer's got 12 from 33.

The teams are already in - Gareth Bale starts with Cristiano Ronaldo, James Rodriguez and Javier Hernandez also up top. Karim Benzema isn't fit enough to make the squad, despite returning to training this week.

Real XI: Casillas, Arbeloa, Pepe, Ramos, Coentrao, Kroos, Isco, James, Ronaldo, Bale, Hernandez.

Valencia XI: Alves, Barragan, Mustafi, Otamendi, Gaya; Javi Fuego, Andre Gomes, Parejo, Feghouli, Piatti, Alcacer.

Spanish football writer Andy West at the Nou Camp

"Barca were well below their best today, but still thoroughly deserved winners. Real Sociedad defended well and can be happy with their performance, but after Neymar's header it was never in doubt. They march on."

FULL-TIME

That's yer lot. Barca are home and hosed.

Now we're off to Madrid. Can Real keep up by beating Valencia?

SUBSTITUTION

Gorka Elustondo is on for a Sociedad corner with Esteban Granero coming off. Surely too late for anybody to claim some kind of master stroke though.

Sociedad break the offside trap and Alfred Finnbogason, with all the goal to aim at, fires straight into Claudio Bravo's gloves.

Sums their day up, La Real.

Three minutes of stoppage time.

Three trophies for Barca? Top of the league, one foot in the Champions League final, and the Spanish Cup final to come against Athletic Bilbao on 30 May.

Spanish football writer Andy West at the Nou Camp

"Credit to Luis Enrique. Switching to four up front when you're leading by one in the final stages isn't something many managers would do, but it paid off as Pedro scored.

"And it's a popularly received goal. Pedro has had a tough season but he remains a well liked figure with Barca fans."

That seems to have wrapped it up. Barca are cruising now.

Look out Bayern. Pep Guardiola's side lost 1-0 at Augsburg earlier today. That's no kind of warm-up for what they need to be a 4-0 home victory to progress.

And it's almost three as Lionel Messi breaks clear on the counter - his low curled shot creeps wide of the post. He's not been at his best today.

GOAL

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What an impact the substitute has had. Just moments after coming on Pedro fires home in spectacular fashion.

Surely the points are safe now. Barca deserve it for that strike alone - a bicycle kick as the ball loops up in the area.

Here they come now - Lionel Messi plays in Neymar, there's a return pass and the first time Messi has had a clear sight on goal but his shot is weak. One of the easier saves Geronimo Rulli has had to make.

Spanish football writer Andy West at the Nou Camp

"Bringing on winger Pedro for midfielder Rafinha was an unexpected move from Luis Enrique, and Lionel Messi has dropped back into an attacking midfield position in what looks like a 4-2-1-3 formation. Very bold."

There are seven minutes to play here and twenty minutes to go before kick-off at the Bernabeu where Real Madrid take on Valencia at 19:00 BST.

As it stands Barca are going five points clear of Carlo Ancelotti's side. Will they hold on or look for a second?

SUBSTITUTION

Under 10 minutes to go and those changes are beginning to look good for La Real. This is the first sustained bit of possession they've had in this half - of which most was actually in Barca territory for a change - but it all comes loose with a poor long ball.

For Barca, Rafinha is off for Pedro.

Spanish football writer Andy West at the Nou Camp

"David Moyes is going for it, bringing on Alfred Finnbogason. The Icelandic striker became a bit of a figure of fun in Spain after waiting a very long time for his first goal after signing from Heerenveen last summer, but he's scored twice recently including last week.

"Now would be a good time to really make a mark. Good for Real Madrid, anyway."

If anything's going to light this game up it's the combination of Andres Iniesta and Lionel Messi.

Iniesta beats his man with that oh so subtle jink only he knows how to do, but Messi isn't holding up his part of the bargain. His pass towards Luis Suarez is loose and easily cleared by the Sociedad defence.

YELLOW CARD

Ruben Pardo, that is just not nice. Neymar goes down under a wild challenge and it's a yellow card.

Another substitution from David Moyes - but Carlos Vela coming off? Unfit? Alfred Finnbogason is on in place of the Mexican.

Spanish football writer Andy West at the Nou Camp

"David Moyes has switched to a 4-4-2, with captain Xabi Prieto going up front alongside Vela, and the game has grown a bit scrappy. Barca are looking comfortable enough but they haven't raced away with the game as we might have expected when Neymar scored."

SUBSTITUTION

Sociedad change it up and Sergio Canales is off with the Uruguayan Chory Castro on in his place.

For Barca, Xavi trundles off to wide applause. One of his last games at the stadium. Anders Iniesta is on.

It flows like water. A cutting ball in from the right, cushioned on the chest by Xavi, Lionel Messi with perfect timing running on to it and striking first time...

But blocked again by the Sociedad defence. They've got to keep this up for 20 minutes yet, and find some way to score...

David Moyes is off his seat now. 'Venga chicos!' is maybe the shout?

Luis Enrique is meters away in his own technical area. It was the Barcelona manager's 45th birthday yesterday. A birthday week in which they reach the Champions League final and go five points clear?

That's the gap as it stands, with Real Madrid to play Valencia at 19:00 BST don't forget.

Luis Suarez is beginning to talk to himself. What's he muttering about?

Neymar flashes a header right into the gloves of Geronimo Rulli. Lovely build-up play to create the opening but a weak finish from the Brazilian.

Spanish football writer Andy West at the Nou Camp

"He's not had to do anything spectacular, but there has been some good alert goalkeeping from Barca's Claudio Bravo this evening. Filling Victor Valdes's shoes - or gloves - was a big task but he has fitted in seamlessly."

From the free-kick Claudio Bravo rises and claims comfortably. Barca back on the attack.

This second wave hasn't arrived yet though, and Sociedad are still well-placed to cause an upset.

Geronimo Rulli! He's out in no man's land trying to see the ball out and Neymar steals it and wins a corner. Neymar, naturally wants it taken quickly and Rulli blocks him. Hence the referee's scribbling.

With the corner cleared well no sooner has Javier Mascherano dropped deeper than he too is booked. A terrible challenge on Carlos Vela, who was streaming down the right wing on the counter.

SUBSTITUTION

Another Sociedad free-kick and another offside. Stop being caught offside! The away side had been growing a bit of momentum.

Sergio Busquets comes on for Marc Bartra. Javier Mascherano to drop back into centre-back?

AP

Almost a moment of danger for Barca as Carlos Vela looks to latch on to a through ball but Claudio Bravo is there, quickasaflash off his line to scoop up into his arms. Best opening of the second half so far for the visitors.

Spanish football writer Andy West at the Nou Camp

"It's already a very different kind of game after the goal - Real Sociedad are committing more men forward, which obviously gives them more chance of scoring but also opens up a lot more space for Barca to exploit. Don't expect it to stay 1-0."

A break in play here as Carlos Martinez gets treatment - replays show he flung himself into a challenge on Neymar and ended up performing some kind of extreme pilates move. Seems OK to carry on though.

Spanish football writer Andy West at the Nou Camp

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"Slightly unlucky for La Real that the header from Mikel Gonzalez fell straight onto Neymar's head, but it was a wonderful cross from Messi and those pinpoint diagonal centres are becoming another of his trademarks. Suarez should have scored from one in the first half and now Neymar has."

What now then David? Moyes's side had defended pretty well but that was poor. Geronimo Rulli, who has had a very decent game so far, was left helpless by his centre-back's mistake.

Barca will only get stronger from here you feel.

GOAL

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Finally the pressure tells for Barcelona. Another Lionel Messi cross into the box is cleared but only as far as the back post, where Neymar was lurking to stab home on his head. And his mohawk? Still immaculate.

CLOSE!

What. A. Challenge that is. Inigo Martinez times flies in with a block to deny Luis Suarez, who was winding up for a volley having beaten the offside trap.

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Which is cleared before another corner is conceded - Barca's eighth of the game as they build early pressure after the restart.

It's poor though as Neymar skews a shot wide from the edge of the box. His heart wasn't really in that one.

Geronimo Rulli had a decent first half and straight off the bat here he is with another excellent save.

Marc Batra's header is on course for the top corner but Rulli, 22, tips over. Corner...

KICK-OFF

And we are under way in the second half. No changes from either side. Attendance today is 86,047, Barca say.

Plenty more to come this week on the story of Spanish football being suspended from next weekend (see 16:33).

For now though, the players are back out on the pitch. Kick-off imminent.

Spanish football writer Andy West at the Nou Camp

"Luis Suarez has been pretty quiet so far today, and there must be a temptation for him to play with greater caution than usual because he's one booking from a suspension, so a yellow today would see him miss next weekend's crunch trip to Atletico Madrid.

"If there actually is a crunch trip to Atletico Madrid, that is…"

That reminds me of a previous topic we had for some #bbceurofooty chat, Mark - your best five-a-side teams made from Europe's top five leagues.

Naturally Messi featured pretty prominently but can't remember Ronaldo being that popular a choice. Obviously we don't want to kick the hornets nest but surely you'd pick Messi would have the edge over Ronaldo in five-a-side?

Join the debate at #bbceurofooty

Today we'd like to hear your suggestions for how to decide who wins the Spanish league and who goes down, if the remaining fixtures are not played (see 16:33). The more far-fetched the better.

Mark Jefferd: 5-A-side game down the park. Bravo, Xavi, Suarez, Neymar, Messi V Casillas, Modric, Bale, Benzema, Ronaldo. Who would win?

Simon Meredith: How about we put Ronaldo against Messi in a bull race in Pamplona. Whoever wins gets to win La Liga.

Brian Macpherson: Team mascots play the remaining matches on Subbuteo. Five minutes a half, full costumes worn.

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You can also text us on 81111 in the UK only - don't forget to include your name and location.

HALF-TIME

About 20 seconds of injury time played? So far so good for David Moyes's Real Sociedad.

One more attack before the break? Luis Suarez thinks so - he feeds Neymar cutting in from the left, the ball breaks loose but there is Dani Alves to ping it from range. Always swerving wide.

Spanish football writer Andy West at the Nou Camp

"There has been some ole-ing from the home fans in the last couple of minutes at extravagant pieces of skill from Lionel Messi and Neymar, but still no breakthrough. It will happen though, surely…?"

EPA

We're yet to see Barca really reach top gear yet.

But here comes Lionel Messi - for the fist time today he replays the trick that put Jerome Boateng on his backside on Wednesday. One player is sent to the floor but as three Sociedad players are scrambled he's crowded out.

The assistant referee then takes a tumble. That's funny everywhere.

CLOSE!

A Xavi free-kick is lofted up to the back stick, Marc Batra cushions it back for Rafinha whose volley is blocked by a wave of blue and white shirts - put your body on the line!

Just over five minutes to hold on before half-time for Moyes and co.

Offside again for Real Sociedad. Sergio Canales didn't time his run. David Moyes has got to be frustrated by that.

Sociedad just need a good spell now. Keep the ball for a bit.

It's unrelenting from Barca though. Every time the home side sweep forward there's danger, but so far a combination of Geronimo Rulli in net and poor finishing means it's level pegging.

CLOSE!

Getty Images

How is this not a goal!? Luis Suarez has no clue either. He heads a Lionel Messi cross to the far post - it was set up for him on a golden plate - but there was nobody following up.

Why not just go for goal? Messi's delivery has been sensational today. Shame he can't be there to finish them off too.

Spanish football writer Andy West at the Nou Camp

"Good save to deny Gerard Pique from Geronimo Rulli (see 29 mins), not for the first time today. The 22 year-old goalkeeper has done well this season and David Moyes's decision to promote him to first choice has been unquestionably successful."

YELLOW CARD

Things are quickening here now. Real Sociedad are struggling to keep pace as Alberto De la Bella and Markel Bergara are booked for two poor challenges in very quick succession.

CLOSE!

Rulli to the rescue! Again the Sociedad goalkeeper is exposed after a ball over the top from Lionel Messi but he bravely paws away a clumsy Gerard Pique effort.

Pique is clumsy on the acrobatic too - slicing a bicycle-kick-inspired effort on the rebound. They're getting closer...

Spanish football writer Andy West at the Nou Camp

"Some 25 minutes played and no goals, but there's certainly no sense of panic or even concern from the home fans. It's a relaxed atmosphere inside the Nou Camp today, with the locals clearly very much expecting a victory rather than hoping for one."

This time it's Neymar played through on goal but he too is caught offside. The officials were quicker with this one though - no chance of anyone getting carried away.

Esteban Granero completes his funny five minutes with a pull-back for which he is booked. He'll miss the next game, the former Real Madrid and QPR midfielder.

CLOSE!

Well the flag went up eventually but on first glance Esteban Granero missed an absolutely golden opening.

Played through on goal he can only pass the ball into Claudio Bravo's hands. But the flag goes up. A let-off for Barca and Granero too.

CLOSE!

Neymar is so close to connecting to Lionel Messi's whipped ball over the top but his hairstyle's simply not extravagant enough.

Messi sees the pass way before anyone can react and the Brazilian could have scored with a header, one-on-one with Rulli. It was just out of his reach on the bounce though - a longer Mohawk would have connected there.

Join the debate at #bbceurofooty

Today we'd like to hear your suggestions for how to decide who wins the Spanish league and who goes down, if the remaining fixtures are not played (see 16:33). The more far-fetched the better.

Lou Macari Chip Shop: Is Paul the Octopus still alive?

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Spanish football writer Andy West at the Nou Camp

"Having struggled at times earlier this season, Dani Alves is in great form at the moment and he's produced some great touches already today.

"The Brazilian is out of contract in the summer and with their current transfer ban from Fifa, Barca wouldn't be able to sign anyone to replace him.

"The most obvious player renewal in history, you'd think, but Barca's board have been dragging their feet and still haven't got him signed up."

There's only Carlos Vela up top for Real Sociedad, and the former Arsenal man is looking very isolated indeed at the moment.

Luis Suarez loops in a ball into the box from wide right, Lionel Messi is chasing and comes far closer than is humanly possible to bringing it down under control. Relief for the away side though - the Argentine is crowded out.

CLOSE!

We've seen this so many times from Barca - a one-two with Lionel Messi plays Neymar in through on goal - but Rullis is there to block with his legs and gathers.

Everyone goes to Messi and the gap opens up.

Join the debate at #bbceurofooty

Today we'd like to hear your suggestions for how to decide who wins the Spanish league and who goes down, if the remaining fixtures are not played (see 16:33). The more far-fetched the better.

Les Graham: Simulate the remaining Spanish league games on Football Manager.

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Getty Images

Credit to Real Sociedad, they're not just sitting back. Moyes's men are pressing Barca high up the pitch and looking to attack.

But they've already nearly been caught out twice. Are they standing off a little more now?

CLOSE!

Luis Suarez this time with a chance on the head but he flashes it wide of the goal, unmarked. He must have been, what, eight yards out? Glorious opportunity.

CLOSE!

Lionel Messi loops a header towards goal but it's acrobatically tipped over by Geronimo Rulli. The closest we've come.

How much of a factor was the sun in that? It's brilliant sunshine at the Nou Camp today.

Spanish football writer Andy West at the Nou Camp

"There's been a heck of a game going on across the road from the Nou Camp, inside the 'Mini Estadi' which homes Barca's B team, who play in Spain's second division.

"They have just lost 4-2 at home to Girona, which makes it increasingly likely they will be relegated and the visitors promoted.

"Girona is just 45 minutes up the motorway from Barcelona, and until now has always been best known outside Spain for its airport, which serves the nearby Costa Brava coast. But soon they could have a top flight football team for the very first time, which would be quite a story.

"Girona: the new Eibar."

Here's a touch though - Sergio Canales advances down the left to win the first corner for the visitors. It's nodded well wide at the near post but David Moyes will be happy with the first five minutes. At least Barca haven't scored yet?

Xavi making a rare start in what is his last season at Barcelona. A lovely crossfield pass finds Dani Alves on the right flank but the Brazilian's cross sails harmlessly over the Sociedad defence.

Have Real touched the ball yet? I think there was a deflection at some point...

KICK-OFF

Barca get us under way and Neymar produces a double step-over before we have the rare sight of a heavy touch from Lionel Messi. Won't be many more of those today.

It's easy to make fun of David Moyes seemingly - practically everybody was doing it when he was in charge of Manchester United. Since his appointment at Real Sociedad in November they have risen from 15th to 11th in the Spanish table.

Add Danny Ings to that and next year they could be finishing, what, ninth?

Well the Barca fans seem to be in good voice already, and with good reason. The prospect of watching Luis Suarez, Neymar and Lionel Messi scampering about in the sun? What more could you ask for?

Spanish football writer Andy West at the Nou Camp

BBC

In addition to the usual dignitaries, today's VIP list contains a rather random name: Lily Costner, daughter of Kevin. Any celeb spotters who can tell us why she's in town?

Line-ups

The teams are in. After featuring in Barca's 3-0 win over Bayern Munich in the Champions League semi-finals on Wednesday, midfielders Anders Iniesta, Ivan Rakitic and Sergio Busquets are all rested - with only Iniesta on the bench. The front three remains the same though - Luis Suarez, Lionel Messi and Neymar all start.

David Moyes has named a midfielder-heavy line-up, so it looks like a 4-5-1 with Carlos Vela - formerly of Arsenal and West Brom - as the sole striker.

Barca XI: Bravo, Alves, Pique, Bartra, Adriano, Mascherano, Xavi, Rafinha, Suarez, Messi, Neymar.

Real Sociedad: Rulli, C. Martinez, Mikel, Bergara, I. Martinez, Granero, Xabi Prieto, Vela, Pardo, Canales, De la Bella.

Join the debate at #bbceurofooty

Today we'd like to hear your suggestions for how to decide who wins the Spanish league and who goes down, if the remaining fixtures are not played (see 16:33). The more far-fetched the better.

Peter Collins: Rearrange the league table based on points per pound of net spend over the past three seasons. Who's spent the best?

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Spanish football writer Andy West at the Nou Camp

BBC

"The Nou Camp is bathed in sunshine on a warm but windy spring day in Barcelona. David Moyes will obviously have happy memories of his last meeting with Barca, but it was also a significant game for the Catalan giants.

"Barca's 1-0 defeat, which came after Luis Enrique left both Lionel Messi and Neymar on the bench until the second half, sparked a week of accusations and allegations centred around rumours that Messi was contemplating leaving the club after suffering a bitter falling-out with Enrique.

"Although the furore was painful at the time, ultimately Barca should be grateful it happened because it served as a turning point, forcing them team to confront and clear up the tensions that were threatening to slow engulfing their season.

"They've won 27 of their 29 games since then, so it's fair to say they haven't looked back."

Join the debate at #bbceurofooty

As ever we'd love to hear from you. Today we'd like to hear your suggestions for how to decide who wins the Spanish league and who goes down, if the remaining fixtures are not played (see 16:33). The more far-fetched the better.

You can send us in your thoughts, predictions and opinions using #bbceurofooty on Twitter, or leave a comment on the Match of the Day Facebook page.

You can also text us on 81111 in the UK only - don't forget to include your name and location.

Questions, questions

EPA

It's not been going quite so rosily over in Madrid for Real boss Carlo Ancelotti following their 2-1 defeat by Juventus in Tuesday's Champions League semi-final first leg in Turin.

Will Sergio Ramos play again in central midfield? Is Karem Benzema fit enough to start, having returned to training? And what about Gareth Bale? Can the Welshman turn his season around? This time of year would be a good time to start justifying that £85m world record transfer fee.

Stick around and we'll find out. That one gets under way at 19:00 BST.

Good afternoon and welcome

We've got two very tasty-looking La Liga fixtures to bring you this afternoon.

Reuters

First up Barcelona. A win against David Moyes's Real Sociedad will see them go five points clear of Real Madrid, who play Valencia at 19:00 BST this evening.

Moyes's side claimed a 1-0 victory in the reverse fixture in January but Barca have just dropped just five points since and are closing in on the title.

Luis Enrique's side have scored 14 goals in their last two league games and despatched Bayern Munich 3-0 on the poignant occasion of Pep Guardiola's return to the Nou Camp in the Champions League on Wednesday.

Will there be another moment of Messi magic today?

'Let's call the whole thing off'

A dispute over the distribution of TV revenue has led to the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) suspending all fixtures in the country from 16 May, with the players' union also announcing its members will go on strike.

EPA

The players believe the split of money in a new deal proposed by the National Professional Football League (LFP) and the Spanish government does not do enough for those at lower-ranked clubs.

On Friday, LFP president Javier Tebas announced plans to take legal action against the suspension, warning that it could cost 50 million euros (£36m) per match day in lost revenues.

Who will win the league? Who will go down? What about the Spanish Cup final on 30 May?

As it stands, it's all up in the air. But for today at least, the race for the title between Barca and Real goes on.

EPA

'You like potato and I like potahto. You like tomato and I like tomahto.

'Potato, potahto,

'Tomato, tomahto.

'Let's call the whole thing off.'

Ah, if only it were that simple (and who on earth would think it's potahto, anyway?).