The Welshman shone with a ‘perfect’ hat-trick for Real Madrid, the Brazilian hit three for Valencia against Osasuna and Spain’s latest recruit was on target again for Atletico
It’s closer than ever at the top. Barcelona’s surprise defeat at Athletic Bilbao on Sunday saw the Catalans stay top of La Liga on goal difference alone from Atletico, while Real Madrid are now just three points off the pace.
While Barca went down by a single goal at San Mames, Atletico kept pace by beating Elche 2-0 and Madrid are also within reach after a 4-0 thrashing of Valladolid. There were also wins for Getafe, Celta Vigo, Real Sociedad, Sevilla and Valencia in round 15 of the Primera Division and here, Goal takes a look at the standout performers from the latest Liga action.
In goal, Sevilla’s Beto is selected following an impressive display at Granada which included several stunning saves and allowed Unai Emery’s men to claim all three points in the all-Andalusian clash.
At the back, Welligton helped Malaga to a credible draw at Villarreal, with Mateo Musacchio on form for the home side and Antonio Barragan impressive in Valencia’s 3-0 win over Osasuna.
Gareth Bale made light of Cristiano Ronaldo’s absence with a ‘perfect’ hat-trick in Madrid’s 4-0 victory at home to Valladolid, netting with a header, his right foot and his left and also setting up the other goal for Karim Benzema. Oriol Romeu bossed the midfield for Valencia and is impressing more and more at Mestalla, while Borja Oubina led Celta to victory and also scored for the Galicians in their 3-1 success at home to Almeria. Finally, Koke chalked up a goal and an assist for Atletico as Diego Simeone’s side won 2-0 at Elche.
The midfielder’s assist was for Diego Costa, who continued his fine form in Atletico’s superb start, while Carlos Bacca opened the scoring for Sevilla at Granada and was excellent in the 2-1 win. Jonas completes our line-up after netting all three with a stellar showing for Valencia against Osasuna.