MADRID, Nov. 27-- Barcelona came out of their trip to Valencia's Mestalla Stadium intact, while Real and Atletico Madrid both won on Spain's matchday 13, but there were some key lessons to be learned this weekend at both ends of the Liga Santander table. 1. La Liga needs technology now! Aside from the footballing aspects of the 1-1 draw between league leaders Barcelona and second placed Valencia in the Mestalla Stadium, the game gave us one clear image: that of the ball well over Valencia goal line in the first half after Valencia goalkeeper Neto failed to deal with Leo Messi's shot. Incredibly referee Iglesias Villanueva played on and instead of being 1-0 up and playing some fine football, Barca would find themselves a goal down later on and fighting to save a point. Barca coach Ernesto Valverde had the honesty to comment afterwards that earlier in the season against Malaga his side had scored when the ball had previously gone out of play. However, that merely serves to highlight that LaLiga is the only one of the top five leagues not to have any video assisted technology. VAR will be introduced the season after next, but given the evidence, we need it now. 2. Goals make the difference for Real Madrid Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema both put an end to their goal drought in domestic competition as Real Madrid defeated Malaga 3-2 in the Bernabeu. In reality Benzema's goal was a tap in after Ronaldo had hit the bar, while the Portuguese's goal was a rebound after he had seen a penalty saved, but the goals helped Madrid to three vital points against a rival who caused them more problems than expected. |