(Football news) Both Barcelona and Atlético Madrid registered wins to keep their place in the top 4. Atleti got a very fortunate 2-1 win over 17th placed Cadiz. Joao Felix scored in the 3rd minute from a goalkeeper error before Alvaro Negredo equalised in the last minute of the first half. Rodrigo De Paul scored in the 2nd half to give the defending champions a lead. Javier Serrano was sent off in the 88th minute to worsen Atletico Madrid's problem. Cadiz had a lot of chances and came close to getting the equaliser but failed. 

Barcelona on the other hand dismantled Osasuna 4-0. Ferran Torres scored twice while Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Ricard Puig got a goal each. Ousmane Dembele, who Barcelona tried to offload in January, put in an amazing performance. Dembele had refused to sign an extension after which the Blaugrana wanted to sell him for a moderate fee instead of losing him for free. Failing to do so, the club left it to Xavi on how to use him. Xavi has kept him in the side and he is repaying the faith. Camp Nou whistled him for a while after January but the Barcelona manager requested the fans not to do so. Dembele is very important for Barcelona's chances to win the Europa League and finish in the top 4 which looks likely at this point. 

All 4 January signings, Torres, Aubameyang, Adama Traore and Dani Alves have been the difference makers for Xavi. Next week is very crucial for Barcelona as they travel away to Galatasaray for the 2nd leg of the Europa League Round of 16 after a goalless draw at the Nou Camp. After that they have the El Clasico at the Santiago Bernabeu where they could reduce the gap to 9 points which will then give them a slight chance to challenge for the league title.

Also read: Chelsea and Arsenal secure wins to consolidate top 4 positions