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European roundup: Barcelona slump at Valencia, Leipzig shocked by Frankfurt | Football

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The Valencia striker Maxi Gómez scored once and helped produce an own-goal to beat Barcelona 2-0 in La Liga on Saturday.

The loss was the first for Barcelona in three matches under new head coach, Quique Setién, who was hired to replace Ernesto Valverde this week.

Barcelona’s first defeat in 10 league matches means Real Madrid will take top spot with a draw at Valladolid on Sunday. Both teams have 43 points and an identical goal difference of +25.

Valencia went ahead thanks to an own-goal by Jordi Alba in the 48th minute, when Gómez’s volley that was flying wide deflected off the Barcelona left-back and into the net.

Gómez put the result beyond doubt in the 77th minute, making up for his penalty that was saved by Ter Stegen during the first half. It was Valencia’s first victory in 13 games against Barcelona at the Mestalla Stadium.

The Athletic Bilbao forward Inaki Williams said he was a victim of racial abuse from fans during the 1-1 draw at Espanyol.

Williams said: “I suffered racist insults, something that no one wants to hear and has no place here. People should come to enjoy themselves, to help their team. This is a sport about friendship.”

In Germany, the Bundesliga leaders RB Leipzig slumped to a shock 2-0 defeat at mid-table Eintracht Frankfurt, ending a 13-match unbeaten run in all competitions.





Eintracht Frankfurt’s Almamy Toure (centre) celebrates with teammate Timothy Chandler (left) and Bas Dost after scoring against RB Leipzig.



Eintracht Frankfurt’s Almamy Toure (centre) celebrates with teammate Timothy Chandler (left) and Bas Dost after scoring against RB Leipzig. Photograph: Armando Babani/EPA

Almamy Toure put the hosts ahead three minutes after the break with a stunning strike from the edge of the penalty area, and Filip Kostic sealed it in stoppage time.

Leipzig, whose last defeat was by Freiburg on 26 October, dominated the match with 67% of possession and 22 shots to Frankfurt’s seven.

Their lead at the top was consequently cut to two points by Borussia Mönchengladbach, who came from behind to beat Mainz 3-1 at Borussia-Park.

Robin Quaison gave Mainz a 12th-minute lead but a goal in each half from Alassane Plea turned the game around, before Florian Neuhaus added a third two minutes from time.

FC Union Berlin overcame Augsburg 2-0, Freiburg fell to a 2-0 home defeat by SC Paderborn and Wolfsburg were also beaten at home, 2-1 by Hertha Berlin.

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