Barca keeps molding the gap behind Real Madrid, edging ahead with 65 points and pressing every moment for a trophy in a year shadowed by the Negreira case. Real Madrid faced Espanyol and then shifted focus to a pivotal Champions League showdown with Liverpool, scoring three goals that left supporters hopeful about Europe’s main prize. Atlético Madrid is intent on strengthening its hold on a podium place at Montilivi, where Simeone’s squad will push to secure third while Girona fights to stay clear of the relegation zone. [Citation: Domestic league context and match outcomes reported by league observers.]
This Real Madrid, after a run of seven straight league wins, looked away from the continental stage, even as the supporters hoped for a stronger performance in the Europa League. Following a 2-0 defeat to Roma in Europe, coach Imanol Alguacil and his squad demonstrated renewed self-belief by regrouping to pressure Mallorca. Betis (42) and Villarreal (38) failed to close the gap toward the coveted top four in La Liga, a race that intensified as the minutes ticked by in the match at Villarreal, where an early chance slipped away. Rodri’s long-range effort tested Reina, who was unable to stop the ball before Borja Iglesias seized the moment to make it 0-1. [Citation: Match reports and league standings roundups referenced by regional sports outlets.]
LaLiga classification (matchday 25)
- Barcelona (65)
- Real Madrid (56)
- Atlético Madrid (45)
- Royal Society (45)
- Real Betis (42)
- Villarreal (38)
- Vallecano Lightning (35)
- Osasuna (34)
- Athletic (33)
- Majorca (32)
- Celtic of Vigo (31)
- Girona (30)
- Seville (28)
- Valladolid (28)
- Spanish (28)
- Cadiz (27)
- Valencia CF (26)
- Getafe (26)
- Algeria (25)
- Elche (13)