La Liga Roundup: Real Madrid Stumble As Barcelona Regain Top Spot

‎The latest La Liga matchday delivered drama, late goals, and crucial shifts at the top of the table.

‎Real Madrid suffered a shocking defeat, Barcelona took advantage to reclaim first place, and key matches across the league reshaped the race for European football and survival.

‎Here is a detailed breakdown of the action.

‎Raúl García Fires Osasuna Past Real Madrid

‎Real Madrid were held to a 2–1 defeat by CA Osasuna at El Sadar Stadium thanks to a sensational 90th-minute strike from Raúl García.

‎Madrid fell behind early when Ante Budimir won a penalty after a VAR review showed goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois had stood on his foot. Budimir calmly converted from the spot.

‎Vinícius Júnior leveled the score in the 73rd minute after a surging run and cross from Federico Valverde.

‎Despite pressing for a late equalizer, Madrid were undone in stoppage time when substitute Dani Ceballos lost possession and García seized the opportunity, firing past Raúl Asencio to seal a historic win for Osasuna.

‎Former Real Madrid defender Álvaro Arbeloa reflected afterward, “We lacked punch, teeth, and speed up front. We have a big margin to improve and a long road ahead, starting Wednesday in the Champions League against Benfica.”

‎Atlético Madrid Bounce Back Against Espanyol

‎Atlético Madrid returned to winning ways with a 4–2 victory over Espanyol at the Metropolitano Stadium.

‎Striker Alexander Sørloth scored twice to help Diego Simeone’s side secure their first league win in four matches.

‎While Atlético remain fourth, 12 points adrift of Real Madrid, the result opened up a six-point gap over fifth-place Real Betis, who drew 1–1 with Rayo Vallecano.

‎Real Sociedad Draw With Oviedo

‎A wild six-goal thriller unfolded at Estadio Municipal de Anoeta as Real Sociedad drew 3–3 with last-place Real Oviedo.

‎Oviedo initially took control with two headers from Federico Viñas in the 50th and 52nd minutes. Sociedad responded through Orri Óskarsson and Duje Ćaleta-Car, leveling the game late.

‎Óskarsson even gave Sociedad the lead in the 90th minute, but Eric Bailly equalized in stoppage time, rescuing a point for Oviedo.

‎Drama continued until the final moments, with Gonçalo Guedes striking the post in the 99th minute.

‎Real Betis Dropped Points Against Rayo Vallecano

‎Fifth-place Real Betis risked losing ground in the Champions League race as they were held 1–1 by Rayo Vallecano. Isi Palazón canceled out Cédric Bakambu’s opener in a tense first half.

‎Barcelona Reclaim La Liga Lead With Win Over Levante

‎Barcelona seized the opportunity presented by Real Madrid’s loss, defeating relegation-threatened Levante 3–0 at Camp Nou Stadium to move one point clear of their city rivals.

‎Marc Bernal opened the scoring just four minutes in, continuing his promising start to the season after recently scoring his first goal for the senior team. Frenkie de Jong added a second in the 32nd minute, while Fermín López sealed the win with a long-range strike that ricocheted off the post in the 81st minute.

‎The match also marked the return of Pedri after nearly a month on the sidelines due to injury.

‎Meanwhile, Lamine Yamal celebrated his 100th win with Barcelona, becoming the youngest player to reach this milestone in official matches for the club.

‎Villarreal, Celta Vigo, and Sevilla Round Out Results

‎Villarreal came from behind to beat Valencia 2–1, restoring a three-point gap over fourth-place Atlético Madrid.

‎Celta Vigo defeated Mallorca 2–0 at home with veteran striker Iago Aspas scoring in the 85th and 90th minutes.

‎Sevilla edged Getafe, who played with ten men after a red card, 1–0 with Djibril Sow scoring the winner in the 64th minute. The result leaves Sevilla 11th, just above Getafe.