MADRID, July 9: Barcelona kept its title hopes alive with a 1-0 win in the city derby against Espanyol in the Spanish league, sealing the rival�s relegation for the first time in nearly three decades.
Luis Suarez scored the winning goal early in the second half on Wednesday to move Barcelona within a point of leaders Real Madrid and send Espanyol to the second division after 26 straight seasons in the top flight.
Real Madrid can reclaim a four-point lead with three rounds left with a home win against relegation-threatened Alaves on Friday. Madrid, seeking its first league title in three years, has a perfect record since the league resumed following the coronavirus break.
�We knew it would be a difficult match because of Espanyol�s situation,� Suarez said.
�We are going to keep trying to win our matches and see if Madrid falters.� � AP
