La Liga: Barca move 9 pts clear after narrow win

FC Barcelona defeated Valencia 1-0 to move nine points clear at the top of La Liga after Real Madrid drew 0-0 away to Betis.
Raphinha’s flicked header from Sergio Busquets’ pass in the 15th minute was enough to give Barca all three points for another below-par performance, reports Xinhua news agency.
Ferran Torres hit a 54th-minute penalty against the woodwork against his former club, and Ansu Fati also hit the post as Barca looked to double their lead before Ronald Araujo was sent off for a direct red card in the 59th minute after bringing down Hugo Duro when he was clean through on goal.
Valencia were unlucky not to get a penalty five minutes from time when Franck Kessie looked to have fouled Fran Perez on the edge of the Barca area, only for the referee to give a corner. Barca’s win put the pressure on Real Madrid, who kicked off their visit to fifth-place Betis 10 points off the top of the table.
A 0-0 draw in the Benito Villamarin Stadium reduced the gap to nine points after a tight game where the best play was in midfield. Real Madrid keeper Thibaut Courtois made a magnificent save to deny Betis striker Borja Iglesias early in the second half, while Real Madrid had a goal ruled out for handball by Antonio Rudiger.
Rayo Vallecano and Athletic Club Bilbao drew 0-0 in a rainy Vallecas Stadium in an even game where each side hit the woodwork. Alvaro hit the post for Rayo, while Nico Williams thundered a shot against the crossbar in injury time, moments before Oihan Sancet was sent off for a harsh red card, which will see him suspended next week against FC Barcelona.