Barcelona clinched a 1-0 victory over Celta Vigo at Spotify Camp Nou, a result that keeps them on track as they prepare to visit Real Madrid at the Bernabéu next Sunday as leaders of La Liga Santander.
Meanwhile, the two giants of Spanish football sit at the top in a league that often feels like a head-to-head duel. Xavi Hernandez’s side hold a narrow lead and boast a seven-match winning streak as they head into a clash that could sharpen the title race in the white city.
The first part of the season saw Barcelona drop just one point in a 0-0 draw with Vallecano while Real Madrid drew 1-1 with Osasuna on the seventh matchday. Clashes between these two clubs carry extra weight, and this one was no exception given their league positions.
Barcelona arrived as the pacesetters but faced a stubborn Celta side. Eduardo Chacho Coudet, Chilean-born manager of Celta, was away due to personal reasons, yet his team rose to the occasion. Pedri González struck in the 17th minute after a weak clearance from Unai Núñez, capitalizing on space and timing to put Barcelona ahead. The goal came after Argentina goalkeeper Agustín Marchesín had already produced two crucial saves against Brazilian winger Raphinha and forward Ferran Torres, showcasing the visitors’ resilience.
Celta had not tested the Barcelona goal in the first half, but after the break they changed gears. They created several clear chances and pushed the home side into defensive trouble with a more aggressive approach, though Oscar Rodríguez could not convert the opportunities, leaving the scoreline intact for Barcelona.
The Galician outfit grew dominant in the second period, pinning Barcelona back and forcing Ter Stegen into several critical saves. Iago Aspas came closest to equalizing as the clock ran down, but the German goalkeeper produced decisive stops to preserve the lead. The result leaves Xavi’s team at the summit, with eyes on a marquee showdown in Madrid and a heavy schedule that includes a Champions League exit in Munich and Milan, underscoring the need to recover form before another decisive clash against Inter.
Atlético Champions Zone
Eight days later, the battle for European places intensifies. Athletic Bilbao reaffirmed their claim to continental football while Atlético Madrid finds a foothold in the Champions League zone. Real Betis and Real Sociedad also pressed their cases, with Betis drawing and Sociedad securing a win against Villarreal to stay in the mix.
Only one point separates the quartet as the weekend’s results roll in. Sevilla, meanwhile, endured a difficult end to the period, slipping toward the relegation zone after a goalless stalemate with Athletic under Jorge Sampaoli’s leadership in his first match back. The mood around Lopetegui’s Sevilla remains tense as the team searches for consistency.
Betis Avoids Defeat
Real Betis, led by Manuel Pellegrini, could not reclaim all three points on the road at Valladolid. A late red card for Germán Pezzella complicated their efforts, and a 38th-minute sending off helped seal a draw in a tight contest that could have swung in Betis’ favor.
Brais Méndez, a former Celta star now with another La Liga side, has been in outstanding form this season and added to the drama with a standout performance as Real Sociedad beat Villarreal 1-0. That result marked a milestone for the Basque club as they celebrated a historic moment in their league history.
Imanol Alguacil’s team found a breakthrough when Mikel Merino’s cross was converted in the 33rd minute, and Unai Emery’s Villarreal pushed to respond, even as José Luis Morales pressed for a reply. The game showcased the typical intensity of a title race where every goal matters and margins are razor-thin for both sides.
Cadiz and Espanyol Draw
Espanyol extended their winless run to four matches in a tense 2-2 draw at Cadiz, a result that keeps Espanyol in a precarious position while Cadiz sought to climb out of the relegation danger zone. Victor Chust and other Espanyol defenders faced a late onslaught but held firm until the final whistle.
Joselu Mato fired Espanyol ahead with a brace, scoring on minutes 51 and 67. The forward momentum was briefly checked by a goal from Uruguayan Luis Alfonso Espino just before the break, and Lucas Pérez, who replaced Álvaro Negredo, added another late in the half with a powerful finish. The Pistons of Cádiz pushed for a late equalizer, and Lucas Pérez delivered a stunning free kick to strike the crossbar, but both teams left the field with a share of the spoils. The game illustrated the tightness of the league table and the unpredictable nature of late drama on the pitch.