La Liga, Round 34: Barcelona keeps title hopes alive with a comeback win over Athletic Bilbao

Here’s a recap of all the scores from round 34 in Spain.

Atlético Madrid 2-0 Elche | Full match report

After 70 minutes, it looked like Barcelona were going to lose their fourth straight match and bow out of the title race. Instead, Pedro and Lionel Messi both scored, two minutes part, as the Blaugrana survived for a 2-1 victory over Athletic Bilbao.

Both teams had good chances in the opening 15 minutes, but neither could break through. Aritz Aduriz just missed with a shot from the right side of the box, sending the ball rolling past the post.

Their chances of pulling off the league double are very good thanks to a combination of their strong form, combined with Barca’s poor form and long list of injuries. More importantly for Athletic, a result against Barca moves them ever closer to securing fourth place and a spot in the next season’s Champions League.

Barcelona injuries and suspensions

It took just over 70 minutes, but thanks to João Miranda’s header after so many close calls, Atlético Madrid found a way to defeat a stubborn Elche side, and take another step toward claiming the league title.

Atletico nearly responded a minute later as Filipe Luis got a wide open chance of his own just inside the Elche 18-yard-box. Unfortunately for the home side, Luis’ left-foot let him down as he shanked the shot well wide of the goal.

Diego Simeone and his players have been dealing with pressure for weeks, so while it’s inevitable that things will get even more stressful as the end of the season approaches, Atléti seem primed to deal with it. They are unbeaten in 11 matches, winners of seven straight matches, so what’s another five right?

Diego Costa should be available after cutting his leg in a collision with the goal post last week, but should he be unable to play, Atléti at least have experience dealing with missing their leading scorer.

Atlético Madrid vs. Elche

Osasuna vs. Valencia