That was quite the weekend of football in Spain. Atlético Madrid are your new leaders, breaking a monopoly of the spot that Barcelona had held for 59 rounds. Barca didn't fall too far though despite their loss against Valencia thanks to Athletic Bilbao holding Real Madrid to a 1-1 draw.
La Liga, Round 22 review: Atlético Madrid and Real Madrid both face tough tests
The title race was indeed shook up this round as Atléti take over first place after Barcelona lose at home for the first time in 25 league games.
The passing for former Spanish national team coach and Atlético Madrid player Luis Aragonés cast a somer shadow over the league as there were moments of silence before matches to honor him. At the Vicente Calderón, a stadium where Aragonés played and coaches, fans remained quiet for the opening eight minutes of the match before exploding into chanting the Atléti legends’ name.
David Villa’s goal late in the first half was clearly an emotional moment for the player as he was one of many who struggled to hold back tears before the match. In the end, Atléti’s 4-0 win and ascension to the top of the La Liga for the first time in 18 years was about the best way the club could have possibly honored Aragonés.
Barcelona and Real Madrid were both poor over the weekend, though Barca's home loss against Valencia was a far worse result that Madrid's draw away against Athletic Club. Barca now sit three point behind Atléti and even with their rivals on points. Madrid could be without Cristiano Ronaldo for the next three games though after he picked up a straight red late in their match.
Down near and in the relegation battle, Elche created a two point gap for themselves with a big win over Almeria. Real Betis finally won a match as well -- just their third of the season -- shocking Espanyol thanks to a brace from Rubén Castro in the final 19 minutes.
Here’s a look at all the results from round 22 in Spain.
Granada 1-2 Celta Vigo
Barcelona 2-3 Valencia | Full match report here
Getafe 0-0 Real Valladolid
Elche 1-0 Almeria
Real Betis 2-0 Espanyol
Atlético Madrid 4-0 Real Soceidad | Full match report here
Athletic Bilbao 1-1 Real Madrid | Full match report here
Villarreal 3-1 Osasauna
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