LaLiga 2018-19: Match Day 13 Round-up

Match Day 13 of LaLiga saw the big guns Atletico Madrid take on Barcelona while Real Madrid were away at Eibar. Europa League contenders Villarreal faced off against Betis while Sevilla were looking to go at the top of the table with a win over Valladolid.

Here we take a look at five of the major takeaways from Match Day 13 of LaLiga:

1. Barcelona and Atletico share honours with a 1-1 draw:

Barcelona faced off against Atletico Madrid at the Wanda Metropolitano on Match Day 13 of LaLiga. Barcelona and Atletico both have had a mixed season in the league so far this season.

The match went almost perfectly for Diego Simeone and his men as they went ahead in the second half with a Diego Costa strike and were very close to holding on to the lead at the end of the match.

Ernesto Valverde's second half changes in Ousmane Dembele, Rafinha and Malcom did introduce a different dynamic for the Atletico defence. A 90th-minute strike from controversy child Dembele assisted by Leo Messi saw Barcelona equalise in the dying minutes of the game.

Club Atletico de Madrid v FC Barcelona - LaLiga

Up next, Atleti host Monaco, while Barcelona face PSV away in the Champions League, both aiming to secure their Champions League Knockout spots.

2. Real Madrid's awful run continues as they lose to Eibar:

Real Madrid have had a roller coaster ride this season as they have slumped to the sixth spot in LaLiga. This season has already seen the departure of Julen Lopetegui and being replaced by Santiago Solari.

But a change of coach has not meant a change of fortunes still in the LaLiga as they lost once again against Eibar. Escalante scored early in the first half to give Eibar the lead. Enrich and Kike added two more after halftime to give Eibar a comfortable three-goal advantage.

It was a historic result of Eibar while for Madrid another disappointing match following the departure of Zidane and Ronaldo. Solari's next assignment is a tricky away trip to Rome in the Champions League.

3. Sevilla defeat Valladolid to go top of the table:

Sevilla started the season earlier than their competitors this season in the Europa League qualifiers. But this season has seen a change of direction under Pablo Machin and the persistence has shown on the pitch in terms of positive performances, with the team currently at the top of the table.

Andre Silva scored the winner for Sevilla

Andre Silva scored via a Pablo Sarabia assist to give Sevilla the lead in the first half. Neither side scored any other goals as Sevilla managed to hold on to their lead in another solid LaLiga performance.

Up next for Sevilla is a match against Belgian side Standard Liege in the Europa League where they would be looking to continue their winning run

4. Villarreal overcome Betis in a close encounter:

Villarreal and Real Betis both have had average seasons so far this season, both scrambling in the bottom half of the table.

Veteran playmaker Santi Cazorla assisted two goals in the first half with Gerard Moreno and Samuel scoring to give the hosts a two-goal advantage. Joaquin was once again the star performer for Betis. PSG loanee Giovani Lo Celso pulled one back for Betis in the 90th minute.

Cazorla assisted twice and JoaquÃn played great for Betis — Cazorla assisted twice and Joaquín played great for Betis

The win would be a huge positive for Villarreal in a very tough season. Both sides continue their Europa League campaigns in midweek fixtures as Villarreal are away against Rangers while Betis face Greek side Olympiakos.

5. Valencia win big against Rayo Vallecano:

Valencia, last season's fourth-place finishers, are struggling this season, winning two, drawing eight, and losing two of their matches prior to this match.

Santi Mina scored Valencia's first two goals

Marcelino's men have been solid defensively but have not had a good showing in terms of scoring goals this season. Up against 19th place Rayo Vallecano, Santi Mina scored twice while Kevin Gameiro scored once to secure a three-goal victory.

With this win, Valencia go to the 11th spot on 17 points, just three off Real Madrid and Girona. Up next for Valencia is a tough trip away to face Juventus in the Champions League midweek fixture.

Edited by Victor R. Lopez M.