La Liga, Round 32: Atlético Madrid and Barcelona both win in unimpressive fashion

Atheltic Bilbao did what they needed to do on Monday, defeating Levante 2-1. It keeps Athletic in fourth, six points clear of Sevilla. The two clubs meet in two weeks in a match that could decide who claims the final Champions League spot for next season.

Here’s the full list of results from round 32.

Real Madrid got an important win over Real Sociedad, taking the three points and remaining in touch with Atlético Madrid and Barcelona in the race for the league title. Asier Illarramendi scored against his former team and Gareth Bale secured the points midway through the second half as Madrid pulled away late for the big win.

La Real again came close in the 22nd minute as Greizmann’s header of a Vela cross curled just over the crossbar. Even if the French winger had been able to get the ball down, it appeared that López had the chance covered.

Messi just missed a second goal in the 42nd minute, dancing into space on the edge of the Betis 18-yard-box and firing a rising shot that went just wide of the post.

Betis looked good early in the second half, putting Barca under heavy pressure and keeping them off the ball at an impressive rate. Unfortunately, Betis certainly showed a lot of heart, their chronic inability to take advantage of their chances -- most notably mis-hitting crosses towards wide-open attackers -- helped fans understand why they’re on the verge of relegation.

The message is “La Masia won’t be touched”, a clear response to the allegations made by FIFA against the club and their apparent breaking of transfer rules designed to protect under-18 players.

It’s also yet another questionable decision by the club who had already made some blunders during the week with the release of their manifesto-like defense and club president Josep Maria Bartomeu’s wheels-off press conference. The continued defiance by the club -- despite the fact they haven’t really denied FIFA’s charges -- isn’t helping win them any supporters.

Atlético Madrid were not particularly impressive on Saturday, but sometimes it doesn’t matter how you look as long as you win, and win they did. Raúl Garcia’s header in the first half was enough for Atléti to defeat Villarreal 1-0 and remain at the top of the table in Spain.

The remainder of the half saw Villarreal look good in possession but they were incapable of doing anything with it. Atléti were happy to defend and push forward when the opportunity presented itself, but they weren’t particularly dangerous after the goal either.

Real Sociedad injuries and suspensions

Out: Esteban Granero (knee)

Barcelona injuries and suspensions

Real Betis injuries and suspensions

Simeone will have to deal with an annoying injury to star striker Diego Costa, who will miss the match with a hamstring problem. David Villa is more than capable of filling in, but Costa has been the man with the ability to find goals when it seems like Atléti aren’t going to be able to get one. It will definitely put some more emphasis on the strong Atléti defense.

Atlético Madrid injuries and suspensions

Seven rounds stand between 20 teams and the close of the 2013/14 La Liga season. A mere seven games left to decide who lifts the trophy, who claims Euopean spots and who will find themselves in the second division come the fall.

Almeria vs. Osasuna | 3 p.m. ET, 9 p.m. CEST