Real Madrid finally took advantge of one of Barcelona's mishaps this season and toppled Los Culés from the top spot in the league. Los Blancos are alone at the top for the moment, with 17 games left to be played and a crucial tie between these teams.
Barcelona's loss against Valencia opened the door for Los Blancos, who struggled to beat Real Valladolid but ended up nabbing three key points in the race to win La Liga.
Elsewhere, Sevilla and Getafe leapfrogged Atlético in the hunt for a top-four finish. Los Colchoneros dropped two points against Leganés, while Los Hispalenses and Los Azulones defeated Granada and Real Betis, respectively.
The battle to avoid relegation got even closer, as Celta's draw left them one point away from Mallorca. Leganés and Espanyol also added points, which means that one win could see them leave the red zone for now.
Speaking about Barcelona's performance, some might feel that Lionel Messi had a massive hand in the team's fate. The Argentine was not as accurate as expected, and being the only Barca player to take more than one shot on goal speaks volumes of that. Unfortunately for him, he equaled a woeful record in his prestigious career with his display at Mestalla.
11 shots. 0 goals.
— B/R Football (@brfootball) January 25, 2020
Tough day for Leo Messi in Valencia. pic.twitter.com/IOSFvJtx9r
As for Real Madrid, things could not be sweeter for Zidane and Co. after this weekend. Los Blancos are the best team in La Liga, and their defensive display this season has seen them reach a new record not only in Spain, but also in the top five European leagues.
3- Real Madrid haven't faced a shot on target in three games in #LaLiga this season, more than any other team in the Top 5 European Leagues: vs Sevilla at Sánchez-Pizjuán, vs Osasuna at home & vs Real Valladolid at Nuevo José Zorrilla. Calm#ValladolidRealMadrid #LaLigaSantander pic.twitter.com/j15kVWnCct
— OptaJose (@OptaJose) January 26, 2020
La Liga Standings after 21 games
Here's a look at how things changed this weekend in the Spanish top-flight. Will Real Madrid be able to hold on to their current spot, or will Barcelona fight back to claim a third league title in a row?
@realmadriden occupy the top position in #LaLigaSantander while @SevillaFC_ENG secure the 3rd position! pic.twitter.com/py2Xp5CcgR
— LaLiga (@LaLigaEN) January 26, 2020