Matchday 14 in LaLiga delivered tightly contested games, late goals and decisive moments and that shaped the rhythm of the league. Mighty defenses, second-half counters and rare moments of genius all contributed heavily to the round’s outcome of 25 goals shared among teams.

Key Match Summaries

Barcelona did not hesitate to continue their successful journey and take home three points from the game against Alavés, with 3-1. Barcelona netted two before the interval and put one more to the score after the break. With their high attacking momentum, the team was able to dictate the match. Although Alavés could find the back of the net in the first half, they could not get the rhythm of Barcelona during the first half and they also lost control during the second one. An exchange of four goals during the second half between Mallorca and Osasuna resulted in a 2-2 draw that was enjoyed by the spectators. Mallorca’s attempts were rewarded with a penalty and a follow-up goal while Osasuna also grabbed two well placed shots at the goal.

Real Madrid and Girona fought their way to a 1-1 stalemate in one of the most anticipated games of the weekend. The two teams played according to the timesheet, with Girona scoring first in the first half and Real Madrid equalizing with a second-half penalty. Madrid was definitely more aggressive in terms of shooting and possession, but Girona’s shape and work rate kept things even. Getafe, on the other hand, started the week with a very disciplined 1-0 win over Elche. Elche had some moments of great momentum, but it was Getafe’s defensive and goalie’s confidence that won them the match.

Atlético Madrid won over Real Oviedo with a score of 2-0, displaying confidence and skill in the first half. The two early goals were a great start and the defending team made sure they would not lose the lead during the match. The opponent, Oviedo, worked their way up the field but were unable to create any clear opportunities. Athletic Club, playing with great composure, overcame Levante, thus getting the 2-0 scoreline secured in the first half. The directness of Bilbao’s attack and their defensive reliability guaranteed them the safe keep of their early lead.

Villarreal made a remarkable win, taking down Real Sociedad 3-2 in an away fixture. Sociedad controlled possession and created more chances, but Villarreal were clinical, scoring once before halftime and twice more in the second half. Despite Sociedad attempting a late push after scoring twice following the break, Villarreal’s counterattacks carried them through. Espanyol grabbed a crucial 1-0 win over Celta, scoring an 86th-minute winner after absorbing long periods of Celta pressure.

The Seville Darby ended in a 2-0 win for Real Betis – in a match heavily influenced by a late red card to the home side. Sevilla dominated possession throughout but failed to break down Betis’ resilient defensive block. Betis capitalized on their second-half opportunities, striking twice to seal a composed away victory. Rayo Vallecano and Valencia played out a 1-1 draw with both goals arriving in separate halves. Rayo opened the scoring after a strong first 45 minutes, while Valencia responded after the break through sustained pressure.

Standout Performers

Dani Olmo earned a Sofascore rating of 9.5 for his brilliant attacking performance with two goals, controlling the tempo and breaking lines with consistency. Lamine Yamal (8.9) added a goal and assist, continuing his rise as one of the league’s most dangerous young attackers. Vedat Muriqi (9.2) powered Mallorca with two second-half goals in their draw. Alberto Moleiro (9.0) led Villarreal’s comeback charge with a decisive brace. Alexander Sørloth (8.7) led Atlético’s attack with a composed brace.

Ayoze Pérez added both a goal and an assist in the same match to complete Villarreal’s attacking dominance. Alex Berenguer impressed for Athletic Club with two first-half assists. Nico Williams contributed a sharp attacking performance in the same match. Goalkeepers Inaki Peña (8.9) and David Soria (8.7) both delivered crucial saves in narrow matches.

Lewis Miley, Pablo Fornals, Kike García, Allan Nyom, Nobel Mendy and Gerard Martín all offered important contributions for their respective teams.

Suspension Updates

Only one red card was shown this round to Isaac Romero of Sevilla. Romero received a straight red card in the 84th minute for a foul, impacting Sevilla’s ability to respond late against Real Betis. He’s set to miss Sevilla’s home game against Celta next week.

League Table & Impact

Barcelona’s win propelled them to the top of the table, while Real Madrid’s draw saw them drop to 2nd place. Villarreal takes 3rd, with Atletico closely following them in 4th, just a point away. Real Betis and Espanyol take 5th and 6th respectively, both tied on 24 points. Getafe and Athletic club – both on 20 points – take up the 7th and 8th places in the table. 

It is interesting to note that none of the teams in the second half of the table managed a victory this matchday. Valencia takes 15th with 14 points and Mallorca takes 16th with 13 points. Osasuna and Girona take up 17th and 18th with both teams on 12 points. Lastly, with 9 points each, Levante and Real Oviedo round up the table.

Looking Ahead

Matchday 15 promises compelling fixtures as Barcelona look to extend their attacking momentum as they take on Real Betis away from home. Real Madrid aims to return to the top as they host Celta. Villarreal welcomes Getafe while Atletico Madrid travel to Bilbao seeking to build on a strong away performance. With the table tightening in both the European and relegation races, every point becomes critical heading into the mid-season stretch.