La Liga, Week 27: Real Madrid defeat Levante to remain in first place

It was another interesting round of action in Spain as the title race once again took an unexpected turn, all three teams in the drop zone won matches and a manager lost his job.

Athletic Bilbao was held to a 1-1 draw by Valencia but thanks to loses by Villarreal and Real Sociedad, they held on their their firm grip on fourth place and the final Champions League spot. They now lead the Yellow Submarine by seven points, while La Real have dropped eight points back.

Real Madrid shot out of the gates like a champion thoroughbred intent on winning another race. They but Levante under a ton of early pressure but the visitors were up to the task. Les Granotes goalkeeper Keylor Navas was tested early, denying Cristiano Ronaldo’s short range effort from the left side of the box with an excellent one-handed save.

In the 11th minute, Navas couldn’t prevent Ronaldo from putting Madrid ahead. Ángel di María sent a corner into the middle of the Levante box and Ronaldo did the rest, rising up to meet the ball and heading down and to the left to beat Navas and make it 1-0. Mohamed Sissoko and David Navarro failed to close the space around Ronaldo correctly, leaving the Portuguese striker far too much room to work in so close to the goal.

Real Valladolid injuries and suspensions

Out: Jeffren (hamstring).

While the three leaders continue to dance at the top of the table, the most interesting story in this round of La Liga matches could be just behind them in fourth place. Athletic Bilbao has quietly been having a fantastic bounce back season after a tough campaign in 2012/13 that cost Marcelo Bielsa his job.

New Athletic coach Ernesto Valverde has come in, calmed the waters and promptly turned around his new team’s fortunes with consistent play, especially at the new San Mamés. Thanks to stumbles by Villarreal and Real Sociedad over the past couple weeks, Athletic have opened up a six point lead as they look to claim La Liga’s final Champions League place. They face a potentially challenging match against Valencia on Sunday.