How Did Barca Secure Second Place with a Dominant Win?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- FC Barcelona demonstrated strong performance with a 3-0 win against Getafe.
- Atletico Madrid fell behind in the title race after a 1-1 draw with Mallorca.
- Real Madrid continued their winning streak, now at five consecutive victories.
- Sevilla and Levante also secured important wins this weekend.
- The league remains highly competitive with surprising outcomes.
Madrid, Sep 22 (NationPress) FC Barcelona ascended to the second position in La Liga on Sunday following a convincing 3-0 victory at home against Getafe.
Competing at the 6,000-seat Johan Cruyff Stadium for the second time in a week, Hansi Flick's squad was in control throughout the match. Ferran Torres netted twice, assisted by Marcus Rashford and Dani Olmo, before Olmo scored the third goal in the 62nd minute, again from a Rashford pass. Getafe, managing only 28 percent possession, posed little threat.
Atletico Madrid slipped further behind in the title chase after a 1-1 draw against Mallorca, leaving them nine points adrift of leaders Real Madrid and seven behind Barcelona. Mallorca's goalkeeper Leo Roman saved a penalty from Julian Alvarez and made several crucial saves before Conor Gallagher finally scored in the 79th minute. Atletico, down to ten men after Alexander Sorloth received a red card, were denied a win when Vedat Muriqi equalized six minutes from the end.
In other matches, Rayo Vallecano and Celta Vigo ended in a 1-1 draw, with Borja Iglesias giving Celta the lead prior to Jorge de Frutos equalizing. Elche maintained their impressive start post-promotion, winning 1-0 against Real Oviedo thanks to a goal by Andre Silva, moving them to fifth place.
On Saturday, Real Madrid achieved five consecutive wins with a 2-0 victory over Espanyol. Eder Militao opened the scoring with a long-range shot, and Kylian Mbappe secured the win early in the second half.
Osasuna led against Villarreal thanks to a penalty from Ante Budimir, despite being reduced to 10 men following Valentin Rosier's red card in the 39th minute. Georges Mikautadze equalized for Villarreal, which ultimately won with a late deflection off Pape Gueye.
Athletic Bilbao's Dani Vivian was sent off during their defeat to Valencia, where Baptiste Santamaria and Hugo Duro scored for the home team.
Sevilla secured a 2-1 win against Alaves with goals from Ruben Vargas and Alexis Sanchez, while Levante dominated Girona with a 4-0 victory after the latter had two players, Axel Witsel and Victor Reis, sent off. Goals came from Etta Eyong, Carlos Alvarez, Ivan Romero, and Koyalipou.
On Friday, Betis triumphed over Real Sociedad with a score of 3-1, featuring goals from Cucho Hernandez, Pablo Fornals, and an own goal by Alex Remiro.