Fabregas celebrating after scoring a goal against Levante during their Spanish First division soccer league match at Camp Nou stadium. PHOTO: Reuters
Two goals from Mesut Ozil and another from Karim Benzema stretched Real’s advantage over city rivals Atletico to six points.
But Karanka’s major concern was seeing the Brazilian and Croatian stars limp off ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League semi-final first-leg against Borussia Dortmund.
“Marcelo felt a strong sharp pain,” he said. “Modric seems like just a strain but he said that he noticed something. The injuries have been the worst thing about the game.”
The real star of the show was Ozil with his double and Karanka is hoping those goals will be the perfect boost to his confidence. “We know what he is and what he can generate. Now he has time to recuperate. The goals have been good for his confidence.”
Barca prepare for Europe with narrow win
Barcelona, though, maintained their 13-point lead over Madrid and moved to within two wins of their fourth title in five seasons thanks to a 1-0 win over Levante at the Camp Nou.
Barcelona assistant manager Jordi Roura admitted that without the injured Lionel Messi, Barca once again lacked their usual rhythm in attack.
“We have suffered a lot to win the game,” he said. “This demonstrates how hard it is to win a championship. We could have scored early with the penalty, but we weren’t able to and we have to congratulate Levante because they played a very good game defensively.”
Published in The Express Tribune, April 22nd, 2013.
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