Matchday action in La Liga delivered excitement across Spain today, with five crucial fixtures shaping both the title race and the battle for survival.
Barcelona seized control at the top of the table with a dominant win over Girona, while Real Madrid kept the pressure on with a statement victory.
Elsewhere, Real Betis triumphed in the Seville derby, Valencia earned a hard-fought win to boost their survival hopes, and Athletic Bilbao clashed with Osasuna in a goalless encounter.
Here’s a roundup of all the key moments from today’s matches.
Barcelona 4-1 Girona
Barcelona asserted their dominance in the Catalan derby with a commanding 4-1 victory over Girona at the Estadi Olímpic.
The match saw early pressure from Barcelona, with Fermin Lopez and Robert Lewandowski testing Girona’s goalkeeper, Paulo Gazzaniga, who made crucial saves.
An own goal by Krejci, attempting to clear a free-kick from Lamine Yamal, gave Barcelona the lead. Girona’s Arnaut Danjuma equalized in the second half, but Lewandowski responded with two goals, bringing his season tally to 25 goals.
Ferran Torres sealed the victory with a late strike, propelling Barcelona to the top of La Liga with 66 points, three ahead of Real Madrid.
Real Betis 2-1 Sevilla
In the Seville derby, Real Betis emerged victorious over Sevilla with a 2-1 scoreline at the Benito Villamarín Stadium. Sevilla took an early lead through Rubén Vargas in the 17th minute.
Betis responded with an equalizer from Johnny Cardoso in the 25th minute. ‘Cucho’ Hernández secured the win for Betis just before halftime, converting an assist from Isco Alarcón.
Despite Sevilla’s efforts in the second half, Betis held firm to claim their first derby win in seven years.
Valencia 1-0 Mallorca
Valencia earned a crucial 1-0 victory over Mallorca at Mestalla, with Diego López scoring the decisive goal in the 50th minute.
This win lifts Valencia four points clear of the relegation zone, providing a significant boost in their fight for La Liga survival.
The match was briefly interrupted due to a medical emergency in the stands, but Valencia managed to maintain their lead and secure the three points.
Athletic Bilbao 0-0 Osasuna
At San Mamés, Athletic Bilbao and Osasuna played to a goalless draw. Athletic, missing key players due to injuries, struggled to penetrate Osasuna’s solid five-man defense.
Despite increased pressure in the second half and opportunities from Nico and Iñaki Williams, as well as Guruzeta, Athletic couldn’t find the breakthrough.
Osasuna’s disciplined defensive approach earned them a valuable point away from home.
Getafe 1-2 Villarreal
Villarreal secured a 2-1 victory over Getafe at the Coliseum Alfonso Pérez. Ayoze Pérez was instrumental, contributing a goal and an assist, keeping Villarreal’s Champions League aspirations alive.
Getafe responded with a goal from Carles Pérez but couldn’t capitalize on further opportunities. Villarreal showcased resilience, with Barry having two goals disallowed by VAR, yet their persistence paid off, solidifying their position in the top four.
