On the 16th day of the Santander League the standings started to tilt, breaking the early equality at the top. Barcelona remains the lone leader, with Xavi Hernandez guiding his squad to a slender victory over Atletico Madrid that created a clear gap in the middle and put Real Madrid on the co-lead behind them. The win came at the Cerámica stadium, where a Villarreal side pushed hard in a frenetic duel, testing every seam of the visitors and showing why the race for the title will stay engaging down to the final whistle of the season. The result reinforced Barcelona’s command of the table while Villarreal solidified its own position through grit and decisive moments that kept the contest tightly in reach for much of the match.
Beyond the top already clear, Real Sociedad carried out its business with precision against Almeria, taking all three points and asserting its intent to stay in the mix at the summit. Real Betis followed suit with a solid showing on the road at Vallecas, confirming its strong form as the season progresses. In the relegation zone the situation remained tense as Elche endured a difficult defeat that highlighted the challenging battleground at the bottom. A moment of relief arrived for a squad that had struggled to find consistency, as a single goal by Iago Aspas proved decisive for his team in a tense, late win. Sevilla also breathed easier after securing a victory at home that steadied their position in a league that rewards every earned point and keeps pressure high on those at risk of dropping.
Espanyol faced a tough return from a goal by Toni Villa, and the match swung with Girona replying in the closing minutes to level the score. The day will conclude with Athletic Club taking on Osasuna, a fixture that promises to test both sides as they push to punch above their weight in a crowded midtable landscape.
LaLiga classification (14th matchday)
- Barcelona (41)
- Real Madrid (38)
- Royal Society (32)
- Real Betis (28)
- Atlético Madrid (27)
- Villarreal (27)
- Athletic (25)
- Rayo Vallecano (23)
- Osasuna (23)
- RCD Mallorca (22)
- Valencia (19)
- Girona (18)
- Getafe (17)
- Celta Vigo (17)
- Valladolid (17)
- Vigo Celts (16)
- Sevilla (15)
- Cadiz (15)
- RCD Espanyol (14)
- Elche (4)