LaLiga: Barcelona move 11 points clear of Real Madrid but Atletico join the title fight

Real Madrid were in UAE capturing the Club World Cup so didn’t play this weekend. However, while celebrating, they might be a little concerned by the fact Barcelona extended their lead to 11 points over them. It makes El Clasico next week even more crucial. They need to catch city rivals Atletico first.

It wasn’t the best weekend of football in Spain but there were plenty of talking points. And an unexpected frantic finale made all those who stuck around to watch it thankful they did.

Everything is going according to plan for Barcelona this season. I mean, who even remembers what their fans were angry about in the summer? The loss of Neymar was a significant blow but one which the team has dodged as if they’re Nero in the Matrix Trilogy. This weekend was no different.

With the greatest respect to Deportivo de La Coruña’s fans, it wasn’t a huge surprise to see them go down 4-0 to Barcelona at the Camp Nou. However the performance from LaLiga’s top team was noteworthy. The initial start to the season produced a lot of unconvincing displays but the two draws, and now consecutive wins, is showing Ernesto Valverde’s side can be great entertainers too.

The match itself could’ve easily ended with the hosts hitting double figures if not for an unforgiving display by the woodwork. Lionel Messi hit it three times, as well as fluffing a penalty, and that meant he’s been denied by the post or crossbar an incredible 14 times. All while leading the scoring charts in LaLiga with – you guessed it – 14 goals.

If there’s a downside for Barcelona heading into next weekend’s El Clasico it’ll be the loss of Paco Alcacer to injury. The former Valencia frontman couldn’t even make the squad a few weeks ago but is proving a fine option from the bench. Given a start against Depor, his game ended after 23 minutes. Football can be cruel.

As if out of nowhere, Diego Simeone’s team swoop into the title picture and claim second spot from Valencia. Unbeaten and largely uninspiring at the start of the campaign, Atletico are picking up steam and appear the most likely contenders to Barcelona’s title charge.

Speculation continues to surround the future of their best player, Antoine Griezmann, but you can only admire Atletico’s consistency. Something which can’t be said for their Champions League campaign.

Similar to neighbours Real Madrid, a transfer ban seems to have only made Atletico stronger. They have Diego Costa to add following the Christmas break as well. If Real Madrid happen to beat Barcelona next week the gap to the top would be just three points.

t the weekend they needed an old hero, Fernando Torres, to pop up with the winning goal. Sime Vrsaljko did all the hard work as he provided his second match-winning assist in a row. Without the distraction of the Champions League, it might turn into a positive for Simeone’s men going into 2018.