(Football news) Real Madrid have finally managed to stay top of the table at the end of a gameweek after Real Sociedad were held to a goalless draw at home to Valencia. Barcelona climbed 3 positions and they now stand in 6th while Atlético Madrid are still 4th.

Atletico Madrid put in a lackluster display at home against Osasuna. Atleti had 2 shots on target compared to Osasuna's 3. In the end, an 87th minute header by Felipe was enough to secure the 3 points. Atletico Madrid's title defence hasn't been ideal so far and they have a very important game against AC Milan in the Champions League on Wednesday which they have to win in order to qualify for the knockouts. 

Xavi's start to life as a Barcelona manager was incredibly lucky to say the least. Barcelona conceded too many chances in their game against Espanyol. Former Real Madrid player Raul de Thomas would have scored a hat-trick but in the end didn't even manage a single goal. Memphis Depay won a penalty right towards the end of the first half. The penalty call in itself was a 50/50 but the Dutchman did score the goal and that was enough to secure 3 points. Xavi has certainly not had an immediate impact on the team's performance on the field. The process will be slow but at the moment, Barcelona are nowhere near the level of any other top side in La Liga. On another day Espanyol could've won 4-0 but the stars seemed to be aligned in Xavi's favour. Their next game is a crucial UCL tie against Benfica where anything less than 3 points would make qualification into the knockouts incredibly complicated.

Also read: Is Gareth Bale's Real Madrid career over after recent injury?

Real Madrid got a comfortable 4-1 victory away at Granada. Toni Kroos set up Marco Asensio to open the scoring in the 19th minute. Six minutes later the German maestro again assisted Nacho to make it 2-0. Colombian striker Luis Suarez did pull a goal back in the 34th minute to send some warning signs. Vinicius Jr. finished off an incredible counter attack in the second half before making a majestic run from the halfway line to draw a foul that got Monchu sent off. Ferland Mendy added a 4th just a few minutes later. Carlo Ancelotti would've liked a clean sheet but Real Madrid were comfortable throughout the game. Vinicius once again had a terrific game keeping up his great form this season. Real Madrid's veteran midfield of Toni Kroos, Luka Modric and Casemiro once again showed why they are the best in the world. Kroos gave two assists while Casemiro and Modric created a goal each. Real Madrid could secure a UCL knockout stage qualification with a win on Wednesday against Sheriff.