La Liga Weekend Roundup: Real Madrid Stumble Again As Barcelona Close The Gap

Real Madrid’s momentum took another hit as they were held to a 0-0 draw by Rayo Vallecano on Sunday, marking their second consecutive setback after a midweek Champions League defeat at Liverpool.

‎At the Santiago Bernabéu, Madrid struggled to find their rhythm in attack, failing to score for the second straight game after having found the net in every match this season before their trip to Anfield. The stalemate leaves Los Blancos at the top of La Liga.

‎However, that cushion could shrink Barcelona later moved within three points after their win at Celta Vigo.

‎Madrid manager Xabi Alonso remained composed after the match, emphasizing the need for calm and perspective.

‎“We know where we are,” Alonso said.

‎“You have to know how to balance the good times and the bad times. It’s a long season. The demands are huge, but we can cope with them and we’re preparing for them.”

‎Madrid had previously won 13 of their 15 matches across all competitions this season, with their only defeats coming against Liverpool and Atlético Madrid.

‎But Sunday’s game once again exposed a lack of cutting edge in the final third, despite enjoying the majority of possession.

‎Alonso said it was “one game at a time” for his team.

‎“After the Anfield game, which is now behind us, today was one of those games that is a bit difficult to bring us back to the level we want to be in,” Alonso said.

‎“In the second half, anything could have happened. I don’t put it down to emotional peaks. We want to be very stable in our preparation and in our mentality, because we know that the league is about taking it one game at a time.”

‎Rayo Vallecano, sitting 12th in the table, showed resilience after a 4-0 defeat to Villarreal last weekend. The visitors defended bravely and earned a valuable point, continuing their solid form in cup competitions, where they recently recorded consecutive wins in both the Europa League and Copa del Rey.

‎Lewandowski Hat-Trick Sinks Celta Vigo

‎At Balaídos, Robert Lewandowski spectacularly rediscovered his scoring touch, netting a hat-trick to lead Barcelona to a 4-2 victory over Celta Vigo.

‎Lamine Yamal added another in first-half stoppage time as Hansi Flick’s side produced an emphatic attacking display to move closer to league leaders Real Madrid.

‎The match was anything but straightforward. Barcelona’s defensive frailties resurfaced early on, as Celta twice leveled the score following Lewandowski’s first two goals.

‎But the Polish striker had the final say, striking again in the 73rd minute to complete his hat-trick and seal a crucial away win.

‎The performance was a reminder of Lewandowski’s quality after a period of injury and inconsistency. His goals were his first since September’s victory over Real Sociedad.

‎“We made some mistakes, but we did much better in the second half, with more control of the ball and the game,” Flick said. “We defended much better.”

‎Lewandowski said, “In the end, we are very happy because we won a very difficult game. Here, it’s always difficult to play.

‎Celta’s Sergio Carreira and Borja Iglesias were on target for the hosts, who saw their impressive five-game winning streak across all competitions come to an end.

‎Barcelona’s win, however, was marred slightly by a late red card to Frenkie de Jong, who received a second yellow card deep into stoppage time.

‎Despite defensive concerns, the Catalans have conceded 16 goals in their last eight matches and have not kept a clean sheet since September. Barcelona’s vibrant attack continues to carry them through difficult fixtures.

‎Around La Liga: Bilbao Bounce Back, Valencia Still Struggling

‎Elsewhere, Athletic Bilbao ended a run of three straight defeats across all competitions by beating Oviedo 1-0, thanks to a brilliant solo goal from Nico Williams.

‎The winger dazzled down the left flank, dribbling past three defenders before scoring from a tight angle in the 25th minute. Oviedo’s miserable run continues they are now winless in six matches.

‎Mallorca earned a narrow 1-0 home win against Getafe, with Vedat Muriqi scoring the decisive first-half goal.

‎At Mestalla, Valencia’s struggles deepened after a 1-1 draw with Real Betis extended their winless run in the league to seven games.

‎Luis Rioja salvaged a late equalizer in the 82nd minute for the hosts after Betis had taken the lead earlier.

‎The result leaves Valencia just above the relegation zone in 17th place.