La Liga Roundup: Barcelona Stay Top As Madrid Win Valencia

A thrilling weekend of La Liga action delivered everything from world-class goals to late drama, postponed fixtures, and major off-field developments.

‎Barcelona strengthened their position at the summit, and Real Madrid kept the pressure on, adding new layers to an already gripping season.

‎Barcelona’s Yamal Shine in Confident Win Over Mallorca

‎Barcelona extended their lead at the top of La Liga to four points with a convincing 3-0 victory over Mallorca at the Estadi Olímpic.

‎It was an afternoon that showed both the brilliance of the club’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal and the growing influence of the next generation.

‎Robert Lewandowski set the tone just before the half-hour mark, reacting calmly inside the box after Marcus Rashford’s sharp work on the left.

‎Although Rashford did not score, his revival in form was once again evident as he later forced a superb save from goalkeeper Leo Roman with a curling free kick.

‎Barcelona should have doubled their lead moments later when a scrambled chance fell to Yamal on the goal line, but the 18-year-old somehow sliced wide.

‎Lewandowski quickly reassured the youngster however, offering a supportive gesture that underscored the bond between Barça’s veterans and rising stars.

‎Yamal made up for the miss in spectacular fashion in the 61st minute. Gliding past a defender on the edge of the area, he unleashed a trademark left-footed curler that dipped perfectly into the bottom corner, leaving Roman rooted.

‎It was a moment that highlighted his growing confidence and undeniable star quality.

‎The evening ended with another breakout moment as 18-year-old Marc Bernal scored his first senior goal. Barcelona sliced Mallorca open with a swift midfield move, allowing Bernal to race through, cut inside, and finish with composure.

‎The victory marked Barça’s 17th win in their last 18 matches in all competitions, emphasizing their remarkable momentum.

‎Real Sociedad Strengthen European Push

‎In Saturday’s other match, Real Sociedad secured an important 3-1 win over Elche to climb into eighth place.

‎Goals from Luka Sučić and Mikel Oyarzabal put them firmly in control, though André Silva pulled one back shortly before halftime. Icelandic forward Orri Stein Oskarsson came off the bench late on to seal the victory with an 89th-minute strike.

‎The win keeps La Real firmly in the conversation for European qualification as the season’s final months approach.

‎Matches Postponed Amid Safety and Weather Concerns

‎Two La Liga fixtures were postponed under unusual circumstances. Rayo Vallecano’s home match against Oviedo was called off due to safety issues related to the pitch at Vallecas Stadium.

‎The decision was made at short notice, prompting frustration from Oviedo, who expressed understanding but hinted at potential legal action due to the timing.

‎Sevilla’s match against high-flying Girona was also postponed because of severe weather conditions, with the game rescheduled to Sunday afternoon.

‎Barcelona Officially Withdraws from Super League Project

‎Off the pitch, Barcelona made headlines by formally withdrawing from the proposed European Super League. Once a driving force behind the controversial project, the club released a short statement confirming its departure.

‎The decision further isolates Real Madrid, now the only major club still publicly committed to the breakaway competition.

‎Mbappé Fires Real Madrid to Victory at Valencia

‎Real Madrid responded to Barcelona’s win with a professional 2-0 victory away at Valencia, returning to within a single point of the league leaders.

‎Kylian Mbappé once again delivered in a decisive moment, scoring deep into stoppage time for his ninth goal in six matches.

‎Álvaro Carreras had opened the scoring in the 65th minute with his second goal for the club. Madrid were without Vinícius Júnior, serving a suspension, and Jude Bellingham, sidelined with a hamstring injury, but still showed the depth needed to maintain their title challenge.

‎Valencia supporters expressed their frustration at full-time, jeering their team as they remain dangerously close to the relegation zone in 17th place.

‎Betis Take Revenge on Atletico Madrid

‎Real Betis produced one of the standout performances of the weekend with a gritty 1-0 victory over Atletico Madrid at the Metropolitano.

‎The win came just days after Betis were humiliated 5-0 by the same opponent in the Copa del Rey quarterfinals.

‎Antony scored the decisive goal, securing Betis’ second consecutive league win and tightening their grip on fifth place.

‎Atletico, meanwhile, continues to struggle for consistency, having won just one of their last three matches in all competitions.

‎Drama in Rescheduled Sevilla vs. Girona Clash

‎The postponed match between Sevilla and Girona produced late drama in a 1-1 draw. Thomas Lemar handed Girona an early lead, but Sevilla struck back through Kike Salas with a stunning long-range effort deep into stoppage time.

‎Shortly afterward, Girona earned a penalty and veteran striker Cristhian Stuani was brought on specifically to take it. In an unexpected twist, he saw his streak of successful league penalties, dating back three years, come to an end as goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos saved his low effort.

‎The result leaves Girona in 12th place and winless in three matches, while Sevilla sits just behind them in 13th.

‎Other Results Roundup

‎Athletic Bilbao ended their six-game winless streak in emphatic style with a dramatic 4-2 win over Levante, a match featuring four goals after the 80th minute.

‎Levante played with 10 men from the 17th minute following a straight red card for Alan Matturro but still managed to push the hosts late before Athletic’s late surge sealed the result.

‎Getafe also returned to winning ways, ending a nine-game drought across all competitions with a confident 2-0 victory over Alaves.

‎The result stabilizes their mid-table position as they look to rebuild momentum.