Atletico Madrid continued their run at keeping up with the La Liga leaders with a 4-1 thumping of Cadiz on Sunday evening. The victory came after table toppers Real Sociedad were defeated 1-0 at Espanyol earlier in the day.

After a goalless first half Atletico Madrid took the lead 11 minutes after the break through Thomas Lemar who broke the deadlock, French forward Antoine Griezmann then double the advantage in the 70th minute.

Substitute Angel Correa then made it 3-0 six minutes later before Atletico Madrid goalkeeper Jan oblak made an error to give the home side the consolation goal in the 86th minute.

Matheus Cunha sealed the victory with a goal two minutes later as Diego Simeone’s side went home with a comprehensive victory that pushes them into second with 29 points and above Real Sociedad in third with same points albeit a win or a point for Sevilla at table topping Real Madrid could drop Atletico into third.

Meanwhile, Barcelona scored two late goals to defeat Villarreal on Saturday evening with a 3-1 score line. The win is Xavi’s second consecutive La Liga win.

Frankie de Jong opened the scoring early in the second half after a goalless first half. However, Nigerian forward Samuel Chukwueze aequalised for the yellow submarines with less than 15 minutes left to play.

Memphis Depay scored with two minutes left on the clock to restore Barcelona’s lead before Philippe Coutinho scored a penalty in added time to ensure Barcelona’s victory.

Despite the victory Barcelona remains five points behind the top four places with 23 points from 14 games played as they sit in seventh position.

Barcelona’s next game is against Real Betis in the La Liga before a crucial UEFA Champions League clash against Bayern Munich.

Real Madrid also claimed a crucial victory over Sevilla yesterday. Vinicius scored a winner, after Benzema had equalized for Real Madrid. Real Madrid won 2-1.

Written by: Daniel Ademiju Idowu