MADRID, March 2 (Xinhua) -- FC Barcelona beat Real Madrid in the Santiago Bernabeu for the second time in four days to end any chance their traditional rivals have of winning this season's Liga Santander.
Ivan Rakitic's first half goal was the difference between the two teams, and although Saturday's defeat for Madrid was not as ample as Wednesday's 3-0 thrashing, the consequences could be far more severe.
Not only have Madrid been knocked out of the Cup and left without options in the league by Barca in just four days, but Barca coach Ernesto Valverde has shown himself to twice be the superior of Madrid coach Santiago Solari and although that may not have recriminations before the end of the season, it is not highly unlikely Solari will be in charge at the Bernabeu for the next campaign.
Although there had been speculation Solari would make changes to the side that started in midweek with a view to next week's Champions League game at home to Ajax, the only alteration to the starting 11 saw Gareth Bale in for Lucas Vazquez.
Valverde also limited his squad rotations with his only change seeing Arthur Melo in for Nelson Semedo, with Sergi Roberto dropping into defense.
While Barca had ridden their luck in the Cup, seeing Madrid miss chances and taking their own, this was different and more convincing as they controlled the ball with Sergio Busquets controlling midfield and clipping the ball through for Rakitic to beat Thibaut Courtois in the 26th minute.
Madrid should have been down to 10 men before halftime, but referee Undiano Mallenco even with the help of the VAR failed to see Sergio Ramos' clear aggression on Leo Messi and the defender stayed in the game.
It didn't bother Barca, who saw Ousmane Dembele twice go close at the start of the second half as did the newly renewed Jordi Alba.
Solari replaced Gareth Bale, roundly booed by the home fans with Marcos Asensio, but to little avail and Messi was closer than anyone to scoring in the closing minutes.
Barca are now 12 points clear of Madrid in the league and in the Cup final after knocking them out of the semifinal in midweek. Once again Real Madrid have to look at Europe again to save their season.
