El Clasico weekend is just by the corner, and league leaders Barcelona, as well as second place Real Madrid prepared for the potential decider next Sunday with good 2-0 victories. There were also wins for the likes of Champions League hopefuls Valencia – who toppled Atletico Madrid to finish the round in third – and Sevilla. Champions Atletico Madrid were disappointing though, and could only manage a point on their trip to Catalonia to play Espanyol.
Espanyol goalkeeper Kiko Casilla was one major reason Diego Simeone’s side drew blanks for a second time in their last three games. The Spanish international was right on top of his game, and made save after save as well as control his defence with confidence.
In defence, Inigo Martinez makes an appearance after his goal handed Real Sociedad their first away win in almost a year. Joining Inigo at the back is his teammate Yuri, who was a rock as La Real held on to seal a 1-0 win away at the Coliseum Alfonso Pérez against hosts Getafe. Yuri had an amazing 10 tackles; more than any other player on the night.
Completing the three-man defence is Malaga veteran centre back Weligton. The 35-year-old was immense as always, and infact put in a crucial goalline clearance that kept Malaga in their match against Cordoba en route a 2-0 win.
In midfield, Luka Modric makes the cut after his remarkable comeback into the Real Madrid starting XI in the Whites 2-0 win over Levante at Santiago Bernabeu. The Croatian was his usual mesmerizing self, and hand a hand in his side’s two goals of the game. Real Madrid will be glad he’s back in the fray just in time for what’s their most important game of the season at the Nou Camp next week.
Argentine midfielder Ever Banega was at his best as Sevilla hosted, and bashed Elche 3-0 at Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán. While Carlos Bacca was doing the scoring, Banega was pulling the strings. He had more dribbles than anyone in the match, and also grabbed an assist for good measure.
Mikel San Jose got the one odd goal for Athletic Bilbao in their 2-1 win away at Celta Vigo. The utility player put up quite a good show, and kept his team solid in defence.
Finally in midfield is Rayo’s Alberto Bueno, who made in seven goals in three games with a brace as Rayo beat Granada 3-1 at Vallecas. The former Real Madrid man is simply unstoppable at the moment, and he went on to cause the visitors all sorts of trouble.
In attack, Lionel Messi, as is becoming a constant these days, makes an appearance after he singlehandedly gave Barca all three points away at Eibar with a well taken brace. The little Argentine forward scored a penalty in the first half, before scoring a second half header to help Barca maintain their lead on the league table. Those two goals also sent him clear of Cristiano Ronaldo in the race for the Pichichi.
Gareth Bale scored his first league goals in month to help Real Madrid secure a 2-0 home win over Levante. He was well-motivated, and a shadow of the man who struggled in recent weeks.
Carlos Bacca is the final name on our team of the round after the Colombian scored Sevilla’s two goals in their comfortable 3-0 win over Elche. He showed his prowess upfront with a header after having already converted a penalty.
