Matchday 12 in LaLiga presented a great variety of close games, offensive power and tactical battles all over Spain. The week had 32 goals and one red card, with defensive discipline and set-piece efficiency being the main topics of conversation.
Key Match Summaries
Barcelona’s attacking trio unleashed the full power, beating Celta with a 4-2 score. Robert Lewandowski’s hat-trick set the tone, with Lamine Yamal bagging a goal and Marcus Rashford providing two assists. Celta fought back with first-half goals from Borja Iglesias and Sergio Carreira, but Barca’s control was never truly in doubt.
In one of the weekend’s surprises, Real Madrid failed to find the net against a disciplined Rayo Vallecano side. The 21 shots taken by Madrid and the 54% ball possession did not bring them a good result. It was the first time the Madrid side ended without a goal in a match this season.
Elche went on attacking and kept control of the game in the first period with 63% possession and high offensive pressure. They got the first goal in the 57th minute scored by Alvaro Rodriguez. However, Real Sociedad scored the equalizer at the last moment with a penalty by Mikel Oyarzabal in the 89th minute.
Girona could celebrate a tight but very important win only thanks to Viktor Tsygankov’s goal in the 16th minute. The clean sheet was achieved thanks to Paulo Gazzaniga’s five saves as he was always monitoring the game and played his part in maintaining the win.
Sevilla got a hard-fought victory, Rubens Vargas’ penalty awarded in the 51st minute earned the home side all points. Osasuna played with the same intensity but they could not finish the chances they created in the attacking third. The performance of Marcao in defense was the brightest spot for the home team.
Atletico were merciless and refused to give in, they went ahead very quickly with an own goal then Antoine Griezmann scored two in the second half. Marcos Llorente was very active in controlling the game. Levante’s only goal coming from Manuel Sanchez was soon overwhelmed by Atleti’s pressure.
The only goal by Nico Williams in the 25th minute was enough for Athletic Club to get a home victory that was hard to get. Despite Oviedo’s efforts to rally back, goalkeeper Aaron Escandell’s seven saves were not enough to deny the Basque side. Mallorca secured a vital home win through Vedat Muriqi’s 14th-minute strike. Defender Pablo Maffeo was exceptional, earning an 8.5 rating for his contribution at both ends.
A closely fought encounter saw Betis take the lead in the 74th minute through Cucho Hernández, only for Luis Rioja to equalize eight minutes later. Betis looked composed in midfield, but Valencia’s late surge ensured both sides shared the points in a balanced draw. And Villarreal’s attack continued to click as Gerard Moreno and Alberto Moleiro struck in each half resulting in a 2-0 win. Espanyol enjoyed more possession and shots but couldn’t convert dominance into goals.
Standout Performers
Several players made their mark this week. Robert Lewandowski’s hat-trick reaffirmed his world-class finishing with a Sofascore Rating of 9.0, while Marcus Rashford assisted twice. In an otherwise disappointing weekend for Madrid, Arda Guler commanded their midfield earning him a 7.6 rating. Antoine Griezmann continued his fine form for Atlético, and Nico Williams showed his growing influence for Athletic Club. Luis Rioja also shined for Valencia, netting in the equalizer. Vedat Muriqi, Viktor Tsygankov, Mikel Oyarzabal, and Sergio Carreira bagged one goal each with Borja Iglesias also grabbing an assist.
At the back, Matias Dituro kept Elche alive with four crucial saves, earning a 9.1 rating for his composure under pressure. Mathew Ryan’s eight saves for Levante prevented a heavier defeat. Pablo Maffeo also stood out for his defensive leadership.
Suspension Updates
Matchday 12 saw only one red card – awarded to Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong for a second foul. His double yellow card in stoppage time was the only blemish in an otherwise commanding performance.
League Table & Impact
Real Madrid remain top after despite their draw with Vallecano, while Barcelona close the gap to the leaders with a dominant win. Villarreal and Atletico take 3rd and 4th spots with their respective victories. Real Betis and Espanyol follow, along with Athletic Club and Getafe vying for the European spots. Sevilla made it to the 9th place with a much needed victory.
At the other end, Mallorca moves up to 15th with their emphatic win and are followed by Osasuna and Valencia in the 16th and 17th places. Girona’s second victory of the season propels them to 18th place, with Levante and Real Oviedo rounding the table.
Looking Ahead
In the next round, Barcelona welcomes Athletic Club, while Espanyol invites Sevilla. Real Madrid look to clinch the away win against Elche, while Atletico Madrid aims to continue their form against Getafe. All eyes will be on whether Madrid can rediscover their rhythm and if Barcelona can maintain their attacking firepower.