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LaLiga’s winter break is approaching, as clubs look to gain crucial points before a bit of time away from the pitch. Several sides recently found themselves climbing the table, while others see their current situations becoming less positive.
The week’s action began at Butarque with the South Madrid derby, as Leganés and Getafe battled to a 1-1 draw. Los Pepineros continue to put some space between themselves and the drop zone, unbeaten in their last five league fixtures.
Saturday’s early kick-off saw Atlético Madrid and manager Diego Simeone cruise to a comfortable three points at home, dominating Alavés in a 3-0 result. At one point on top of the division, Alavés have now slid to fifth.
Valencia and Sevilla ended their encounter in a 1-1 draw. Celta Vigo earned an impressive victory away from home, securing a 3-2 triumph at Villarreal.
El Derbi Barceloní was the highlight of the weekend on Saturday evening, although it was not much of a competition for the home fans, unfortunately. Barcelona controlled the match and the final scoreline, running out to a 4-0 win. The Blaugrana remain in first place, three points clear of Sevilla and Atlético.
Perhaps the biggest surprise of the weekend was found in Sunday’s early match, thanks to a thrilling encounter in the Basque Country. Eibar and Levante played to a remarkable 4-4 stalemate, with a stoppage-time strike from Borja Mayoral rescuing a point for Levante.
Real Madrid were expected to defeat bottom-of-the-table Huesca, but few would have thought it would be such a struggle. A 1-0 win for Los Blancos was not inspiring, but the result does move them back into the top four.
Real Valladolid picked up an impressive 2-1 victory at Real Sociedad before Real Betis finished off the day’s games with a 2-0 win over Rayo Vallecano. Monday evening brought a vital 1-0 win for Athletic Club against Girona.
The coming week brings the final matchdays of the Champions League and Europa League, as several teams look to close out the group stage on a positive note.
We offer up the top players in LaLiga during Matchweek 15:
Goalkeeper
GK - Jan Oblak - Atlético Madrid
Jan Oblak has been a steady presence at the back for Atlético Madrid, and can sometimes make strong showings appear routine. That was the case on Saturday against Alavés.
The 25-year-old made three saves and positioned himself effectively throughout the match. It was Oblak’s seventh clean sheet of the season, more than any other goalkeeper in the league.
Defenders
RB - Antoñito - Real Valladolid
Real Valladolid’s defence needed to be sharp this past weekend to grab three points at Real Sociedad, and Antoñito ultimately was able to contribute at both ends of the pitch.
The right-back scored Valladolid’s second goal of the match (which proved to be the winner) and recorded two tackles.
CB - Sergio Ramos - Real Madrid CF
It was an ugly win for Real Madrid at Huesca, but sometimes a club have to grind out results. On this occasion, Sergio Ramos helped to guide the team forward.
Madrid’s captain displayed accurate passing and helped to clear out the danger in their own half, making four tackles along the way.
CB - Róber - Levante UD
The early kick-off on Sunday was a wild encounter, and several defenders did not enjoy a great afternoon in the 4-4 draw between Eibar and Levante. Róber did make an impact in central defence for the visitors though, and he had to cover quite a bit of ground to get it done.
The Levante defender’s goal in the first half gave his side a (brief) 2-1 lead in the 25th minute.
LB - Leandro Cabrera - Getafe CF
It is always important to get a goal in a derby, and Getafe’s Leandro Cabrera delivered just that on Friday versus Leganés.
The 27-year-old was vital at the back as well, winning four aerial duels and fighting to ensure Los Azulones at least left with a point.
Midfielders
MF - Rodri - Atlético Madrid
It was a masterful performance on Saturday from Atlético Madrid, as they were able to get the better of Alavés at the Wanda Metropolitano. Los Rojiblancos were able to control the middle of the pitch due to Rodri’s impressive efforts during the match.
The midfielder netted the team’s third goal of the game in the second half and was a constant presence on the ball throughout the 90 minutes.
MF - Brais Méndez - Celta Vigo
Celta’s trip to Villarreal was a successful one this past weekend. Brais Méndez turned in a "Man of the Match" display and was too much for the hosts to handle.
The 21-year-old was involved in each goal for his squad, scoring one and assisting the other two. Méndez is an important part of the future for Celta’s midfield, as well as the Spanish national team.
MF - Giovani Lo Celso - Real Betis
Real Betis have clawed their way back into the top half of the table. Their victory on Sunday against Rayo Vallecano was influenced greatly by the work of Giovani Lo Celso in the middle of the line-up.
The Argentine playmaker opened the scoring in the second half, and his three successful dribbles featured unstoppable movements on the ball. Currently on-loan from Paris Saint-Germain, Betis will likely look to keep Lo Celso in Spain this summer.
Forwards
FW - Lionel Messi - FC Barcelona
Another week, another jaw-dropping evening from Lionel Messi for Barcelona. He has always been a thorn in Espanyol’s side over the years, and more pain was inflicted this past Saturday.
Messi scored two spectacular goals, both from free-kicks. He added an assist on Ousmane Dembélé’s strike in the first half, helping to tear apart the hosts.
FW - Antoine Griezmann - Atlético Madrid
When all areas of the line-up are at their best, Atlético Madrid can be a difficult side to contain. Up front, Antoine Griezmann was outstanding versus Alavés.
The French international scored a goal in the second half, and his clever runs at the opposing back-line helped to open up opportunities for team-mates. Griezmann also won the ball in key situations, recording four tackles in the game.
FW - Charles - SD Eibar
Amidst the madness of Eibar’s eight-goal thriller versus Levante, Charles showed what he can contribute at the striker position.
The Brazilian forward netted a brace and assisted on another goal. Charles won six aerial duels as well.
Manager
Quique Setién - Real Betis
Real Betis and manager Quique Setién endured several disappointing results early in the 2018-19 campaign, and those struggles dropped them down LaLiga’s table. The exciting brand of football that fans enjoyed last term was rarely seen, and some wondered if Los Verdiblancos would be able to bounce back. Based on the last few weeks, they have answered those questions.
After their victory over Rayo on Sunday, Betis have now won their last four consecutive matches across all competitions. They have lost only once in their past nine games, providing the evidence Setién has been able to successfully guide them past the rough patch that threatened their season months ago. The manager has faith in the midfield, and they backed him up this past weekend. William Carvalho, Giovani Lo Celso and Sergio Canales all played well.
They have also secured the top spot in Group F of the Europa League, no small feat considering the quality of AC Milan and Olympiacos.
Real Betis will look to keep this momentum rolling against Dudelange on Thursday evening, before returning to league action on Sunday at Espanyol.
