Atletico grinding out another narrow home win, Celta overpowering Rayo Vallecano, and Valencia finally ending their long wait for three points.

Sociedad Shake Barca’s Title Push

Real Sociedad moved up to eighth in La Liga and dealt a blow to Barcelona’s title hopes with a hard-fought 2-1 victory at the Reale Arena. The champions stayed just one point clear of Real Madrid, but this was a frustrating night full of missed chances and fine margins.

Barcelona thought they had taken control early, only for a series of goals to be ruled out for offside or fouls after VAR checks. Dani Olmo missed a clear opening, while Lamine Yamal also saw a goal chalked off before the hosts struck against the run of play. Mikel Oyarzabal volleyed in at the far post after half an hour to give Sociedad the lead.

Barca responded strongly after the break and equalised through Marcus Rashford, but their joy lasted barely a minute. Goncalo Guedes punished sloppy defending to restore Sociedad’s advantage. Despite late pressure, a red card for Carlos Soler, and Rashford hitting the post in stoppage time, Barcelona could not find a way back. Sociedad remained unbeaten at home against Barca in their last two meetings.

Sorloth Strike Keeps Atleti Rolling

Atletico Madrid extended their perfect home run to 12 matches in all competitions with a 1-0 win over Alaves, who remain without an away point since September.

The first half was goalless but intense, with Jan Oblak making an early save and Giuliano Simeone causing constant problems down the right. Atletico finally made the breakthrough early in the second half when Pablo Barrios lifted a cross into the box and Alexander Sorloth rose highest to head into the bottom corner.

Atletico stayed disciplined and saw out another narrow win, the eighth of their last nine matches to be settled by a single goal or end level. Alaves, meanwhile, slipped closer to the relegation zone after just one win in nine league games.

Celta Turn Style into Comfort Against Rayo

Celta Vigo made it three straight La Liga wins with an impressive 3-0 home victory over Rayo Vallecano, who now have just one win in their last 10 league outings.

After controlling possession early on, Celta took the lead before the break when Sergio Carreira finished off a neat move. Bryan Zaragoza doubled the advantage from the penalty spot early in the second half for his first league goal of the season, before Rayo’s task became even harder when Nobel Mendy was sent off following a VAR review.

Celta remained in full control and added a third late on, with Javi Rueda tapping in after Carreira’s effort was saved. The win lifted Celta level on points with sixth-placed Real Betis, while Rayo stayed in mid-table.

Gaya Delivers Late Escape for Valencia

Valencia finally ended a six-game winless run as captain Jose Gaya scored a late winner to secure a vital 1-0 victory away at Getafe.

The match was tight and low on clear chances, with Getafe enjoying more territory but lacking cutting edge. Valencia threatened on the counter and went closest before the break when a Getafe defender turned a cross onto his own crossbar.

With a draw looming, Gaya timed his run perfectly and delicately chipped the ball over David Soria to claim all three points. The clean sheet was just as important for Valencia, who climbed out of the bottom three into 17th place, while Getafe slipped to a third straight home defeat and continued to struggle for goals.

Nedbank Cup Round of 32 draw