La Liga Roundup: Barcelona Pull Away As Real Madrid Stall

‎The latest round of La Liga action delivered significant movement across the title race, the European chase, and the relegation scrap.

‎Barcelona extended their lead at the top, Real Madrid dropped more points, and several sides at the bottom earned crucial results.

‎Here is a full breakdown of a pivotal weekend in Spain.

Bellingham Returns but Madrid Falter Again

‎Real Madrid entered their clash against Girona needing a win to keep pressure on Barcelona. Instead, they were left frustrated once more after a 1–1 draw at the Santiago Bernabéu.

‎Jude Bellingham started his first match since February 1 following a lengthy injury setback. His return was expected to add dynamism and creativity.

‎But Madrid once again struggled to convert dominance into goals.

‎Federico Valverde’s long-range effort squeezed through the Girona goalkeeper’s hands early in the second half. Giving the hosts a deserved lead. Yet Madrid’s defensive fragility resurfaced almost immediately when Thomas Lemar struck a clean, powerful shot from distance to level the match.

‎Neither Arda Güler nor Álvaro Arbeloa’s other substitutes could unlock Girona’s defence, and the final whistle was met with frustration from the 70,000 fans. They are watching a pattern that has plagued Madrid all season pressure without penetration.

‎The draw follows back-to-back defeats to Mallorca in La Liga and Bayern Munich in the Champions League. And it is leaving Madrid nine points behind Barça. And sliding into a worrying run of form at a key moment of the season.

‎Yamal Stars Again as Champions Pull Clear

‎While Madrid stumbled, Barcelona seized the opportunity, delivering a commanding 4–1 win over rivals Espanyol at Camp Nou to move nine points clear at the top.

‎Lamine Yamal was at the centre of everything. The 18-year-old phenom created both of Ferran Torres’ goals inside 25 minutes, then wrapped up the win late in the match after Espanyol had threatened to fight back.

‎Marcus Rashford added a fourth two minutes later. Barcelona’s attack continued to flow at exactly the right time, especially with a crucial Champions League tie approaching.

‎Yamal’s performance was historic he became the youngest player ever to reach 100 La Liga appearances. He is breaking Bojan Krkić’s previous record.

‎Already the club’s leader in both goals and assists this season, he continues to be Barça’s most decisive force.

‎Espanyol briefly made things interesting when Pol Lozano scored from a rebound to cut the deficit to 2–1. But defensive errors cost them dearly. Coach Manolo González admitted afterward that the scoreline felt harsh, though his side remains safely midtable in 10th.

‎Sevilla vs Atlético Madrid

‎Atletico Madrid rotated heavily following their Champions League defeat to Barcelona, and the decision backfired in a 2–1 loss away to Sevilla.

‎New Sevilla manager Luis García celebrated his first victory thanks to goals from Akor Adams and Nemanja Gudelj. Atlético defender Javier Boñar, making his debut at age 20, pulled one back, but the visitors lacked cohesion and sharpness throughout.

‎The defeat leaves Atlético vulnerable in the race for Champions League qualification with several of the teams below them gaining points this weekend.

‎Muriqi Fires Up the Survival Charge

‎Relegation-threatened Mallorca earned a massive 3–0 victory over Rayo Vallecano, driven by a brace from Vedat Muriqi.

‎The Kosovo striker struck twice in four minutes late in the first half.

‎Reaching 21 goals for the season and closing the gap on Kylian Mbappé in the Pichichi race. Jan Virgili added a third as Mallorca secured their third win in four matches, lifting themselves to 15th and two points clear of the drop zone.

‎Rayo, meanwhile, remains inconsistent and has now won only one of their last five matches.

‎Osasuna vs Real Betis

‎Osasuna held Real Betis to a 1–1 draw, a result that feels like a setback for Manuel Pellegrini’s men.

‎Ez Abde scored early for Betis, but Ante Budimir levelled from the penalty spot before halftime.

‎Betis, still fifth, are now winless in seven league games and risk being dragged into a congested battle for European qualification.

‎Osasuna, steady in midtable, continues to frustrate stronger opponents. But struggles to put together a run of wins.

‎Elche, Alavés, and Other Key Results

‎Elsewhere, Elche climbed out of danger with a narrow 1–0 win over Valencia, courtesy of Lucas Cepeda’s goal.

‎Alaves earned a dramatic 3–3 draw against Real Sociedad thanks to Lucas Boyé’s stoppage-time equaliser.

‎Later in the round, Celta Vigo hosted relegation-threatened Oviedo. While Villarreal travelled to Athletic Bilbao in another fixture with major European implications.