Last-gasp Marcelo keeps Real Madrid on track – La Liga Round-up Week 35

Marcelo celebrates scoring Madrid’s winner

Real Madrid and Barcelona continue to keep pace at the top of La Liga but at the bottom it’s goodbye to Granada who have had their relegation confirmed after defeat at Sociedad.

Real Madrid squeeze past Valencia

Real Madrid remain level on points with Barcelona, with a game in hand, after a narrow victory over Valencia. Cristiano Ronaldo headed home the opener but then went from hero to villain, missing a penalty that would have made the game safe. Spot kick specialist Diego Alves was at it again, out of four Ronaldo penalties he’s faced, he’s now saved three. That’s not all, he’s now saved 26 penalties from 53 faced, truly outstanding. Madrid were made to pay too, Daniel Parejo’s free-kick with just eight minutes to go making it 1-1, and raising hopes all over Barcelona. However, los Blancos have specialised in late goals this season and were at it once again, Marcelo firing home four minutes later to snatch all three points.

Derby delight for Barcelona

So over to you Barcelona who faced a difficult trip to neighbours Espanyol and were without the injured Andres Iniesta. The first half was a tight and scrappy affair and Barca had to wait until after the break, and a truly woeful backpass, to open the scoring. Luis Suarez was the grateful recipient, picking up the loose ball and firing home to end his recent five-game goal drought. Cue sighs of relief from Luis Enrique’s side who then saw Ivan Rakitic add a second before Suarez profited from some more terrible defending to grab his second of the night. It wasn’t pretty but it was a crucial three points to keep Barca top and 2/1 to be crowned champions.

Five-star Atletico bounce back

Atletico Madrid bounced back from midweek defeat to Villarreal with a 5-0 thrashing of Las Palmas. Kevin Gameiro got them off to a flyer, scoring after just two minutes before a two-goal blitz from Saul Niguez and Gameiro made the scoreline 3-0 with just 18 minutes on the clock. It got worse for the hosts after the break, Kevin-Prince Boateng picked up his second booking of the game before late goals from Thomas Partey and Fernando Torres added gloss to the scoreline. A good result for Atletico who now face a Champions League semi-final against Real Madrid.

Granada relegated as Adams suffers fourth straight defeat

Granada had their relegation confirmed on Saturday as they were beaten 2-1 at Real Sociedad making it four defeats from four for Tony Adams. However, the former Arsenal man did finally see his side score a goal, the first since he took charge, when Adrian Ramos equalised Carlos Vela’s opener. That was about as good it as it got though for the visitors, whose fate was confirmed when Juanmi nicked the win late on.

Celta sunk by Athletic Bilbao

Celta Vigo clearly had one eye on Thursday’s night’s Europa League semi-final with Manchester United as they crashed to a 3-0 defeat to Athletic Bilbao. Eduardo Berizzo took the chance to rest some of his regulars as two goals from Raul Garcia and one from Mikel Rico gave Athletic victory.

Villarreal leave Sporting on the brink

Villarreal made it three wins in a row to leave Sporting Gijon on the brink of relegation after a 3-1 win. Roberto Soldado put the hosts ahead before two goals from Cedric Bakambu sealed the win despite a consolation from Douglas Pereira. Sporting are now six points from safety with just three games to go and looking destined to join Osasuna and Granada in the Segunda División.

Alaves come from behind to beat Betis

Alaves survived going behind to an early Ruben Pardo to beat Real Betis 4-1. The visitors hit back with three goals in 10 minutes, from Nenad Krsticic, Ruben Sobrino and Christian Santos before Aleksandar Katai grabbed the final goal with the last kick of the game.

Leganes still not quite safe

Leganes remain just one place, and six points, off the relegation zone after being beaten 2-0 at Eibar. Goals from Kike and Serig Enrich did the damage with Leganes still not quite assured of their place in La Liga next season.

Deportivo held by Osasuna

Osasuna may be down but they’re not out after picking up a point against Deportivo. Jhon Mondragon put the relegated side ahead but a diving header from Guilherme dos Santos made it 1-1. Dos Santos then put the visitors ahead after the break but a late Juanfran own goal gave Osasuna a point.

Sevilla stunned by Malaga

Sevilla’s hope of pipping Atletico Madrid to third place, and an automatic Champions League spot, took a hit with a 4-2 defeat at Malaga. Franco Vazquez’s deflected shot opened the scoring just moments after he’d been booked for diving. However, goals from Pablo Fornals and Sandro saw the hosts surge ahead although Vazquez’s second of the night made it 2-2. Malaga were not to be denied though and Diego Llorente put them back in front and although Sandro missed a late penalty Juan Carlos was on hand to knock the rebound home.

La Liga Week 35 Results in Full

Villarreal 3-1 Sporting

Real Sociedad 2-1 Granada

Las Palmas 0-5 Atletico Madrid

Osasuna 2-2 Deportivo

Eibar 2-0 Leganes

Real Madrid 2-1 Valencia

Espanyol 0-3 Barcelona

Real Betis 1-4 Alaves

Celta Vigo 0-3 Athletico Bilbao

Malaga 4-2 Sevilla