Barcelona's winning run ends in Gijon
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David Villa salvaged a point for BBVA Primera Liga leaders FC Barcelona, but the record-breaking winning run of the Catalan side came to an end in Sporting Gijon's El Molinon Stadium on Saturday night.
Former Sporting player, Villa scored with a magnificent chip over Sporting Gijon keeper Ivan Cuellar with 10 minutes remaining of a thrilling match to salvage a point for Barcelona, but the goal was not enough to stop Barcelona's 16-game winning run coming to an end.
Sporting had given everything they had in the game and cheered on by a full house in the Molinon, the home side took the lead after 15 minutes.
David Barral received the ball on the left wing, beat Gerrard Pique and Gabi Milito, who was making a rare start for Barcelona, and scored with a low right foot shot past Victor Valdes in the Barca goal.
Barcelona struggled to find space in midfield or attack and although the majority of the game took place in the Sporting half, the visitors failed to create clear chances.
The second half saw Barcelona in almost complete control with over 75 percent of the possession for Pep Guardiola's side. Cuellar made two magnificent saves to deny Leo Messi and he stood up well to stop Dani Alves levelling the score.
However, as the game continued the Barcelona players were becoming increasingly frustrated and Pedro Rodriguez was booked for his complaints, but the chance seemed to dry up until Villa scored the equalizer with a moment of magic.
Messi went close in the dying moments but at the final whistle Guardiola will have been happy to see his side save a point against a rival that never gave up.
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