MADRID, Dec. 16 (Xinhua) -- FC Barcelona suffered a shock defeat to Leganes, Real Madrid was held in Vallecas and Atletico Madrid moved level on points at the top of the table. Here are four things we learned in La Liga this weekend.
1. All of a sudden Atletico
Atletico Madrid had to work hard to win a tough game against a Getafe side that defended solidly until Alexander Sorloth scored the sort of headed goal that convinced Atletico to pay a lot of money for him last summer.
The 1-0 win lifted Atletico above Real Madrid and level on points with FC Barcelona at the top of the table.
After a questionable start to the season, which saw players such as Sorloth and Julian Alvarez take time to adapt to their new side, Atletico is now flying, with Alvarez forming an impressive pairing with Antoine Griezmann and Sorloth offering something different in attack.
Atletico visits Barcelona next weekend in what now looks like a decisive game for both teams.
2. Barca crashes to Leganes
Next weekend's game against Atletico is now more vital than ever after Barcelona lost 1-0 at home to Leganes, who scored in the fourth minute and then held on for a victory.
The defeat means Barca has taken just five points from its last six matches in La Liga, losing to Real Sociedad, Las Palmas and Leganes in the process and allowing Atletico and Real Madrid and perhaps even Athletic Bilbao, into the title race.
Coach Hansi Flick will be aghast at the defending that allowed Sergio Gonzalez a free header for Leganes' goal and if Leganes goalkeeper Marco Dmitrovic then became the hero of the game with some outstanding saves, that still doesn't excuse some poor finishing from a Barca side that seems to be losing confidence.
3. Defense letting Real Madrid down
Real Madrid would have gone to the top of the table if it had won away to Rayo Vallecano on Saturday night, but it was held to a thrilling 3-3 draw by a team with one of the lowest budgets in La Liga.
Although Carlo Ancelotti's side showed the ease with which it can score goals, wiping out a 2-0 deficit in six first half minutes and then taking the lead, it also showed its weakness in defense.
Rayo's first two goals came from free headers on the edge of the six-yard box, while Izi Palazon's equalizer saw him arrive unmarked five meters out to score.
There is currently an advert for a sportwear company that saw 'forwards win prizes, but defenders win you titles,' Real Madrid would do well to heed those words if they want to win anything this season.
4. Is title a three-horse race?
Although its run of six consecutive wins was halted by a 1-1 draw away to Alaves on Sunday, Athletic Bilbao are starting to look comfortable in fourth place, just five points behind Barcelona and Atletico Madrid - who face each other next weekend.
Although it is a huge ask for any side to maintain a challenge to battle the 'big-three' for the La Liga title, Athletic coach, Ernesto Valverde has managed his squad brilliantly in the first half of the season and while other sides will have European play-offs in January, Athletic looks set to go directly into the Europa League last 16 and that should allow them to be fresher in another long stretch of games without a break. ■
