Second-placed Real Madrid experienced a 2-0 defeat at Real Sociedad in La Liga after being downsized to 10 men when defender Dani Carvajal was sent off early in the second half on Tuesday.
The outcome boosts leaders Barcelona’s chance to clinch their 27th La Liga title with a win in their next game at city rivals Espanyol on May 14.
After winning 1-0 against Osasuna earlier on Tuesday, Barca advanced to 82 points from 33 matches and extended their lead to 14 points over Real Madrid, who have lost two of their last three league matches.
With only five games remaining, Real would only be able to reach 83 points if they win them all.
According to Eurosport, Real Sociedad took a big step towards Champions League qualification thanks to a superb 2-0 win over Real Madrid.
Real Madrid had their first big chance after nine minutes when Eder Militao rose highest to power a header towards goal but Alex Remiro was able to react quickly and tip it over.
Just five minutes later Real Sociedad came within inches of taking the lead when Martin Zubimendi struck the crossbar from point-blank range.
La Real had another huge chance to take the lead in the 19th minute, Alexander Sorloth burst down the right-hand side past Antonio Rudiger and into the box before pulling the ball back for David Silva who could only fire an effort straight at Thibaut Courtois.
Real Sociedad took the lead just two minutes into the second half thanks to some poor play at the back from Real Madrid. La Real pressed high and Militao fired a pass back to Courtois which he couldn’t reach and Takefusa Kubo was on hand to fire home against his former club.
Real Madrid’s night went from bad to worse on the hour mark when Dani Carvajal was shown a second yellow card for a foul just seven minutes after picking up a needless yellow card for dissent.
Imanol Alguacil’s side made sure of all three points five minutes from time when Ander Barrenetxea cut inside before rifling an effort past Courtois to make it 2-0.
The result leaves Real Madrid 14 points behind leaders Barcelona with five games of the season remaining while fourth-placed Sociedad have an eight-point cushion over Villarreal, having played a game more.
