Madrid, Feb 16 (NationPress) This weekend's matchday 24 in La Liga was far from typical, as FC Barcelona did not take the field until Monday night. This delay allowed both Real and Atletico Madrid the opportunity to capitalize and secure crucial points. Real Madrid managed to do so, while Atletico Madrid fell short.

Currently, Real Madrid sits at the top with 60 points after 24 matches, leading Barcelona by a narrow two-point margin. Barcelona, however, has one extra match to play and stands at 58 points. In third place, Villarreal has accumulated 45 points from 23 games, while Atletico Madrid, sharing the same point total but having played 25 matches, is in fourth due to a poorer goal difference.

Let’s explore some key takeaways from this weekend’s action in Spain:

1. Trent Alexander-Arnold's Significant Comeback

This season has been challenging for Alexander-Arnold at Real Madrid, grappling with injuries and stiff competition from Dani Carvajal and Fede Valverde. Nonetheless, the former Liverpool right-back had an outstanding performance against Real Sociedad, as reported by Xinhua.

While Real Sociedad may have been fatigued from their midweek Copa del Rey clash in Bilbao, Alexander-Arnold effectively utilized the space he was afforded to deliver precise passes. His exceptional skill lies in his capacity to execute long, accurate passes and effective set pieces, both of which he showcased on Saturday. With Carvajal's position looking increasingly precarious under Alvaro Arbeloa's management, perhaps this is Alexander-Arnold's moment to shine.

2. Oblak's Frustration

Atletico Madrid's goalkeeper, Jan Oblak, expressed his displeasure following his team's 3-0 loss to the struggling Rayo Vallecano, stating, "It feels as if we have thrown away the league" after the match.

Coach Diego Simeone made sweeping changes, fielding a completely revamped lineup from the squad that had triumphed over Barcelona in the Copa del Rey. On paper, the team seemed formidable against opponents who began the matchday in the relegation zone. However, on the pitch, Rayo outperformed Atletico, demonstrating a clear disparity.

Simeone's focus remains on the Champions League and the Copa del Rey, and Atletico must avoid disappointing outcomes in those tournaments.

3. Vallecas Incident: A Blight on Rayo and La Liga

The decision to host the match between Rayo Vallecano and Atlético Madrid in Leganes stands as an embarrassment for both Rayo and La Liga.

Rayo's last encounter against Oviedo was abruptly postponed due to the newly laid grass at Vallecas Stadium failing to establish itself adequately. Despite adverse weather conditions, the club did not allow sufficient time for the new turf to settle, leading to La Liga still deeming the pitch unfit for play a week later.

This situation raises questions about Rayo's competence, with speculation regarding club president Martin Presa's motives to potentially benefit from a property deal by moving away from Vallecas. La Liga must enforce standards among its members to uphold its credibility.

4. Definitive Defeats for Levante and Oviedo in Relegation Battle

At the bottom of the table, Oviedo suffered a 2-1 defeat at home to Athletic Bilbao, while Levante lost 2-0 to Valencia in their local derby. These results could prove critical in the relegation fight.

These losses leave Oviedo nine points adrift from safety and Levante just two points above them. Although both teams have shown minor improvements recently, they face a daunting challenge, particularly given their inability to secure victories in the remaining fixtures this season.