La Liga Roundup: Barcelona Fight Back To Stay Top As Real Madrid Drop Points‎‎

‎Barcelona recovered from their midweek Champions League setback with a determined 3-1 comeback victory over Alaves at Camp Nou on Saturday.

‎By the end of the weekend, the title race grew even tighter, with Real Madrid, Villarreal, and Atletico Madrid all pushing to stay within reach.

‎Barcelona against Alaves

‎Barcelona entered the match looking to respond after a disappointing 3-0 loss at Stamford Bridge. 

‎However, their start could not have been worse as Pablo Ibáñez capitalized on chaotic defending from a corner to give Alaves a shock lead in the opening minute. Camp Nou fell silent, but Barcelona quickly woke up, fueled by the energy of their wide players.

‎Raphinha’s Impactful Return

‎After two months out with a hamstring injury, Raphinha returned to the starting XI and instantly transformed Barcelona’s attack.

‎His movement, pressing intensity, and direct running repeatedly unsettled the Alaves defense. Raphinha’s resurgence was evident in the first equalizer, when he darted behind the back line to square a perfect pass for Lamine Yamal, who drilled his shot into the roof of the net.

‎A similar pattern followed just minutes later when Raphinha again burst down the left and provided another precise assist, this time for Dani Olmo.

‎The Brazilian winger’s pace and creativity shifted the momentum entirely in Barcelona’s favor, and his work rate off the ball was praised afterward by Hansi Flick, who emphasized that the team had “missed his dynamism.”

‎After struggling midweek at Chelsea, Lamine Yamal produced a far more assured and threatening performance.

‎The 18-year-old equalized with composure early in the match and frequently troubled Alaves with his dribbling and sharp decision-making. He struck the post near the end of the first half and created multiple openings that Barcelona failed to convert.

‎In stoppage time, Olmo concluded a smooth attacking move initiated by Yamal. After exchanging passes with the teenager, he fired a precise low shot past the goalkeeper to secure Barcelona’s fourth consecutive league win.

‎Pedri’s Return

‎Barcelona’s evening improved further with the return of Pedri González, who replaced Raphinha for the final half hour.

‎After a month out with a muscle issue, his reintroduction adds vital creativity and control for the demanding fixtures ahead. With Pedri, Raphinha, and Yamal all available, Flick’s attacking options suddenly appear far deeper and more dynamic.

‎The win temporarily placed Barcelona two points ahead of Real Madrid before the champions faced Girona.

‎By the end of the weekend, the margin at the top narrowed, but Barcelona maintained their status as league leaders after 14 matchdays.

‎Real Madrid Drop Points

‎Real Madrid were held to a frustrating 1-1 draw in Catalonia as Girona continued their recent strong run.

‎The first half was scrappy, with Madrid dominating possession but lacking rhythm. Arda Güler sent their first clear chance wide, and Kylian Mbappé could not convert another breakaway opportunity.

‎Girona relied heavily on counter-attacks, and although Bryan Gil was frequently involved, his decision-making let several promising moves slip away.

‎Madrid nearly took the lead through Eder Militão, but Paulo Gazzaniga produced an excellent save. Moments later, VAR denied Mbappé a goal for handball. Girona capitalized almost instantly when Azzedine Ounahi curled a superb strike past Thibaut Courtois to give the hosts a surprising advantage.

‎Real Madrid showed more urgency after the break, though Girona continued to threaten, forcing Courtois into a strong save from Vladyslav Vanat.

‎Madrid eventually equalized when Vinicius Junior won a penalty and Mbappé converted it with authority. Both sides pushed for a winner, but neither could take their chances as late opportunities for Mbappé, Vinicius and Girona’s Vítor Reis failed to change the scoreline.

‎The result leaves Real Madrid one point behind Barcelona, while Girona sits just above the relegation zone on goal difference.

‎Villarreal Leave It Late against Real Sociedad

‎Villarreal extended their winning streak to five consecutive league matches with a dramatic victory at the Reale Arena.

‎Real Sociedad created the sharper early chances, with Luiz Junior twice denying Takefusa Kubo and reacting quickly to block Umar Sadiq.

‎However, a misplaced pass from Kubo allowed Tajon Buchanan to burst forward and deliver a cross that Ayoze Pérez tucked away for the opener.

‎After halftime, Villarreal doubled their advantage when Pérez set up Alberto Moleiro, who finished sharply into the top corner.

‎Sociedad fought back through Carlos Soler and later found an equalizer via Ander Barrenetxea, whose curling free-kick brought the stadium to life. But Villarreal were not to be denied. In the 95th minute, a poor defensive clearance fell kindly to Moleiro, who drove a low finish into the corner to secure all three points.

‎The victory keeps Villarreal firmly in the title conversation, positioning them just two points behind Barcelona.

‎Real Betis Claim Derby Bragging Rights

‎Real Betis earned a historic win at the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán, securing their first league victory there since 2018 in the 144th edition of the Seville derby. The first half offered little in terms of clear chances, though both sides showed flashes of intent.

‎Betis broke the deadlock soon after the interval when Pablo Fornals intercepted a loose ball, drove toward the penalty area, and placed a low shot into the corner.

‎As Sevilla pushed for an equalizer, Betis doubled their lead from a set-piece, with Sergi Altimira hammering home after a clever flick-on from Valentin Gómez.

‎The atmosphere grew tense as the match progressed, eventually contributing to a lengthy stoppage, but Betis remained composed and professionally saw out the win.

‎Sevilla’s struggles continue as they remain just above the relegation zone, while Betis strengthen their hopes of securing another top-seven finish.

‎Espanyol Snatch Late Win against Celta Vigo

‎Espanyol recorded only their second away win in ten attempts thanks to a late header from Kike García.

‎Celta Vigo controlled most of the ball but produced little in terms of dangerous opportunities. VAR denied them a potential penalty after an earlier offside, and Bryan Zaragoza came closest with a shot that drifted inches wide.

‎The second half offered more urgency, with both goalkeepers forced into action, but the match appeared destined for a goalless draw until García met Edu Expósito’s corner with a glancing header that sealed the points.

‎Espanyol climb four points ahead of Getafe in seventh place, while Celta remain winless at home this season.

‎Mallorca and Osasuna Share the Spoils

‎Vedat Muriqi scored twice to give Mallorca what looked like a comfortable cushion, but late defensive lapses allowed Osasuna to claw back a draw.

‎The hosts’ inconsistency continues to hinder their progress, while Osasuna demonstrated resilience to claim a valuable away point.