Barcelona played out of their skins in a 3-1 victory over Atletico Madrid to keep in touch with leaders Real Madrid at the summit of the La liga table, and their unstoppable forward trio highlight this round’s best XI.
In goal, Diego Marino’s saves were key for Levante in their goalless draw against Deportivo Ciutat de València. The 24-year-old made six saves to secure a point for Les Granotes, and keep them just outside the relegation zone (at least based on goals difference). How important will the point be, come May?
Real Madrid defender Alvaro Arbeloa showed glimpses of the player he was on Saturday when Real Madrid hosted Espanyol at the Santiago Bernabeu. The Spanish international was deployed at right and left back throughout the match, and was equal to the task in both positions. He grabbed an assist for the league leader’s third and final goal and was solid overall.
His teammate Rafael Varane was impressive as always, despite not being a regular for Carlo Ancelotti’s men. The French international was assured and composed in defence, but didn’t fail to be a constant threat whenever Real Madrid went forward, especially in set piece situations.
Despite ending up on the losing side, Atletico Madrid’s 19-year-old defender José Giménez makes the Team of the Round. His desire and sheer willpower was probably the only reason Diego Simeone didn’t lose by more than 3-1. Gimenez was everywhere, assured in his tackle and confident in his duels. One Atleti player who didn’t deserve to finish on the losing side…
Finally in defence is Cordoba new loan signing Edimar Fraga who was the Man of the Match as The White and Greens made it back-to-back wins in La liga with a 0-1 at Vallecas. Edimar was at the forefront of most of Cordoba’s best moments both offensively and defensively.
In midfield, Eibar’s ever impressive midfielder Ander Capa makes the cut after his goal on 51 minutes proved to be decisive in his side’s 2-1 win over Getafe.
Sevilla’s defensive midfield stalwart Vicente Iborra scored his side’s first in their 2-0 win over Almeria on Sunday. Iborra was almost impeccable, barely putting a foot wrong.
Real Madrid midfielder Isco completes the midfield after yet another standout display for Los Merengues in a 3-0 win over Espanyol. The win brought an end to the world champions’ two-match winning streak in all competitions.
We complete this week’s team with the amazing and unstoppable Barcelona trio – Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez.
The past few days at Barcelona have been filled with uncertainties, however with these three players, great nights will continue to be guaranteed at Barcelona.
Against Atletico Madrid in La liga’s (and maybe Europe’s) biggest game of the weekend, the three South Americans turned on the style to hand Barcelona a 3-1 at the Camp Nou.
Lionel Messi had a goal and an assist (for Suarez goal), Luis Suarez bagged a goal and an assist (for Neymar’s goal) as well, while Neymar scored the opener for Barca. Easy to say the game evolved round them.
