(Football news) La Liga had a rather eventful return after the international break. The top of the table looks a little different as both Atletico Madrid and Barcelona have overtaken Sevilla. Real Madrid remain 12 points clear at the top of the table but 2nd placed Barcelona do have a game in hand. 

Real Madrid got a narrow 2-1 win over Celta Vigo amidst some controversial officiating. The game was pretty much in the balance at the beginning but Eder Militao won a penalty in the 19th minute which allowed Karim Benzema to break the deadlock. Madrid didn't take advantage of the flow and lost a bit of control after which Celta equalized in the 40th minute via Thiago Galhardo. After a lengthy VAR check the goal was ruled out as Iago Aspas was marginally offside and was judged to have interfered in the play as he blocked David Alaba from clearing the ball off the line. The home side did finally get their equalizer via Nolito in the 52nd minute. Substitute Rodrygo won a penalty in the 64th minute which was saved by Matias Dituro off Benzema. Six minutes later the referee once again pointed to the spot for a soft foul on Ferland Mendy which Benzema converted. The first two penalties were very clear but the 3rd one and Celta Vigo's disallowed goal were tough calls. The calls, although harsh on the home side, were the right ones. Real Madrid needed this win after the El Clasico disaster and were incredibly lucky to get it. Los Blancos need to play a lot better against Chelsea on Wednesday if they want to get past them. Scrappy wins are definitely a part of a title winning team and Real Madrid won't mind a few more in their last 8 games where Barcelona and Atlético Madrid will be on their tail. 

Atlético Madrid defeated Deportivo Alavés 4-1 at the Wanda Metropolitano to make it 7 League wins in a row. Joao Felix once again gave his side an early lead with a header. Gonzalo Escalante replied with a header of his own in the 63 minute to equalize. 12 minutes later Substitute Matheus Cunha won a penalty which another substitute Luis Suarez converted to regain the lead. Suarez and Felix scored their second goals respectively as 4-1 was the final scoreline. Atleti are making moves as they are now 3rd on the table. Diego Simeone will now be focused on their important UCL clash against Manchester on Tuesday.

Barcelona continued their dream run with a 1-0 win over Sevilla. Pedri's wonder goal in the 72nd minute was enough to get Barcelona the 3 points. Xavi's men are now 2nd on the La Liga table 12 points behind Real Madrid and equal with Sevilla and Atlético with a game in hand. Barcelona were well in control of the game and could have scored a few more goals in the process. They will now be focused on the upcoming Europa League tie against Eintracht Frankfurt.

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