The top two teams, Barcelona and Valencia, recorded separate victories I’m the race for the Spanish La Liga title.
League leaders Barcelona maintained their four points gap at the summit with a 2-0 win over hosts Athletic Bilbao courtesy a goal in each half from Argentine superstar Lionel Messi and Paulinho.
Messi gave Barcelona a first half lead for his 12th league goal of the season before Brazilian star Paulinho wrapped up the win on the stroke of fulltime.
Second-placed Valencia continue to perform above expectations following their latest league win, a 2-1 victory at Alaves. Italian international striker Simone Zaza scored his 9th league goal of the season to give Valencia the lead in the first half but Alexis scored an equaliser for the home side before Rodrigo’s penalty gave Marcelinho’s side the three points at stake.
Atletico Madrid faltered again in the title race to record their fourth stalemate in five games with a 1-1 draw against Villareal. Angel Correa’s 61st minute opener was cancelled out by an equaliser from Carlos Bacca nine minutes from time.
Matchday 10 Results (Saturday):
Alaves 1-2 Valencia
Athletic Bilbao 0-2 Barcelona
Atletico Madrid 1-1 Villareal
Sevilla 2-1 Leganes
Standings (Top 4):
- Barcelona 28 points
- Valencia 24 points
- Real Madrid 20 points
- Atletico Madrid 20 points
