Matchday 35 : La Liga produced its share of thrills and controversy, but after the top four teams played each other in what had promised to be a decisive weekend, everything remained the same at the top. Here are some things we learned this weekend.
1. Atletico Madrid the 'winners' of the weekend?
Although they could only draw 0-0 with FC Barcelona, perhaps Atletico Madrid are the 'winners' of the weekend. They faced their most difficult game between now and the end of the season and didn't lose on Barca's home turf (which would have seen them overtaken by Barca). Although the 0-0 draw opened the door for Real Madrid to become leaders 24 hours later, Madrid's 2-2 draw at home to Sevilla left things as they were before the weekend.
Not only can Atletico be happy with their first half display in the Camp Nou, they are one step closer to the finish line with a two-point lead.
2. Have Barca blown their title chance?
While Atletico Madrid can look back at the weekend and breathe a sigh of relief, Barca fans have to feel frustrated at Saturday's draw. First of all, it stopped them going to the top of the table (although they weren't to know Real Madrid's result at the time), but mostly because they rarely looked like winning such a vital game.
Losing Sergio Busquets to a fissure in his jaw robbed them of control in midfield, which didn't help, but overall Barca's attacking talents were controled by a well-drilled Atletico midfield and defense, and the fact their two best chances came from Lionel Messi free-kicks probably says it all.
3. Hazard's late goal could still be vital for Real Madrid
Real Madrid blew their chance to go top of the table as they were held 2-2 by Sevilla in a fascinating game on Sunday night, and there was controversy as Real saw a penalty in their favor overturned to see another correctly awarded to Sevilla for a handball in the Madrid penalty area moments earlier.
However, although the draw leaves them two points behind Atletico and level on points with Barca, Eden Hazard's late flick from Toni Kroos' wayward shot could still be vital for two reasons. Firstly, it ends Sevilla's title hopes and it also means Atletico have to win all three of their remaining games if they want to claim the title due to Real's superior goal difference. A defeat for Real would have allowed Atletico to draw one of their three remaining matches, but that goal means there is still no room for error.
4. Closer than ever at the bottom of the table.
If it's tight at the top, it got even tighter at the bottom of the table after a weekend where only one of the bottom six won and four sides lost.
Eibar's win in Getafe means they are suddenly just two points from safety as Elche, Huesca and Valladolid (as well as Getafe) all failed to collect any points and Alaves sneaked a late draw at home to Levante.
The bottom five are separated by just three points with Getafe just two points further ahead, and Tuesday's game between Elche and Alaves looks as if it could be decisive in a season where safety will once again be assured with less than 40 points.
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