‘You have to make a big effort’ in run-in, says Neymar as Cristiano Ronaldo gives Barcelona path to title

'We have played a lot of big games recently in which you have to make a big effort' said Neymar on Saturday as Barcelona's win and Real Madrid's draw left them on the brink of securing the La Liga title.

Barcelona's Neymar celebrates after scoring in his side's La Liga win over Real Sociedad on Saturday at the Camp Nou. Quique Garcia / AFP / May 9, 2015

Barcelona are just one victory away from a 23rd La Liga title after their win was on Saturday was followed by Cristiano Ronaldo missing a penalty as Real Madrid took only a point from a 2-2 draw at home to Valencia.

The league leaders are four points clear with two games to play after earlier claiming a comfortable 2-0 win over David Moyes’s Real Sociedad thanks to goals from Neymar and Pedro Rodriguez.

Barcelona can seal the title when they travel to reigning champions Atletico Madrid next Sunday, should a potential players’ strike due for the weekend be called off.

At the Camp Nou, Pedro scored a stunning overhead kick as Barcelona recorded their 28th victory in 30 matches since being beaten by Sociedad back in January.

“We did everything to score and in the end the goals arrived,” said Neymar, whose goal was his 50th for the Catalan club.

“We have played a lot of big games recently in which you have to make a big effort and Sociedad are a difficult team to play against.”

Sociedad goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli kept the visitors in the game during the first half with saves from Lionel Messi, Neymar and Gerard Pique, but he was finally beaten when Neymar headed home the opener early in the second-half.

Pedro has seen his opportunities limited by the sensational form of Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez this season, but his acrobatic goal five minutes from time secured the victory.

First-half goals from Paco Alcacer and Javi Fuego gave Valencia a commanding half-time lead as they delivered a likely fatal blow to Real’s title hopes.

Despite goalkeeper Diego Alves denying Ronaldo from the spot just before the break, Madrid roared back in the second half to earn a point thanks to goals from Pepe and Isco.

“There are two games to go, we need to win them but, obviously, it is more difficult,” Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti said.

He dismissed suggestions the result could be a blow to his side’s confidence ahead of their crucial Champions League semi-final, second-leg against Juventus on Wednesday.

“The result isn’t good, but the performance was the complete opposite. We have a lot of chances, hit the post three times, missed a penalty. Sometimes, it just isn’t enough.

“We have a lot of positives from the game and if we play like that on Wednesday it will go well.”

Alcacer wasted a big early chance when he spooned over when through on Iker Casillas, while at the other end Gareth Bale saw a brilliant free-kick come back off the bar and Ronaldo’s header also struck the bar.

Valencia opened the scoring when Jose Gaya, thought to be a Madrid target, sent a fine low cross to Alcacer, who turned the ball into the net.

Madrid suffered an injury blow ahead of the Juventus clash as Toni Kroos limped off to be replaced by Asier Illarramendi.

Seconds later it was 2-0 as Dani Parejo’s free-kick was guided into the far corner by Javi Fuego.

Alves made a fine save from a heavy Bale shot before the Welshman teed up Javier Hernandez to hit the woodwork for the third time in the half.

Madrid looked to have been handed a route back into the game when Gaya bundled over Bale inside the area on the stroke of half time. But Alves continued his excellent record of saving penalties by flying to his right to deny the Portuguese.

Alves made two more stops to deny Hernandez at the start of the second period, but he was finally beaten by Pepe’s towering header from James Rodriguez’s corner.

The Valencia goalkeeper came to his side’s rescue once more with a save from Sergio Ramos’s header.

However, he was left helpless as Isco’s curling effort went into the top corner with eight minutes to go, giving Madrid hope.

Despite a late onslaught, Carlo Ancelotti’s men couldn’t find a late winner and now need a monumental collapse from Barcelona to have any shot at the title.

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