MADRID, Feb. 20 (Xinhua) -- There was no change at the top of La Liga in the 22nd round of matches in Spain, while things remain tight in and around the relegation zone. Here are some things we learned in Spain over the weekend.
1. Barca get through after midweek efforts
Pedri was out injured and Ousmane Dembele is still on the sidelines, but Sergi Roberto and Ferran Torres both stepped up as Barcelona won 2-0 at home to Cadiz to keep their eight-point lead over Real Madrid at the top of La Liga.
Cadiz made it hard for Barcelona, defending solidly for most of the game and creating chances of their own, but Barca had the edge, with Segri capping an energetic display with the opening goal and Ferran, who had dropped down the pecking order after the World Cup, involved in all of Barca's attacking moves.
Sergio Busquets was on the bench on Sunday and will probably start in Manchester this Thursday, but Sunday showed that Barca do have enough strength in depth.
2. Fede Valverde and Vinicius decisive for Real Madrid
Real Madrid had a difficult Saturday night in Pamplona as they and Osasuna swapped blows for most of their match in El Sadar.
The game saw each team have moments of control and carve out decent chances, but in the end it was Real Madrid who took three vital points with two late goals.
Vinicius Jr, who had an excellent night, despite getting into unnecessary arguments with a couple of rival players, set up Valverde for the opening goal as the Uruguayan timed his run into the penalty area to perfection.
Marco Asensio netted a second deep into injury time and once again that extra spark Valverde (who had moved into a more central role) and Vinicius provide, was the difference in a close game.
3. Griezmann spoils Athletic's birthday in Metropolitano
Antoine Griezmann must love playing against Athletic Club Bilbao as he scored his 14th goal in 30 games against the Basque side to decide a close game in the Metropolitano Stadium.
The match kicked off after Atletico paid homage to the 125th anniversary of the visitors' founding, and Athletic had the better of the first half, controlling the ball and pushing Atletico back - although without creating many clear chances.
Atletico reacted after the break and Griezmann won the game after finding space to run and score with a shot that went in off the inside of the post.
Another close game, another good display from Griezmann and three more points.
4. Almeria dropping into danger after dreadful run
Although Getafe and Valencia have still to play, the relegation issue was further clouded over the weekend.
Elche's defeat at home to Espanyol, sinks them further into trouble with just nine points, while Espanyol are four clear of the drop zone.
Sevilla's recent displays have lifted them five points clear, and they continue to improve, with Lucas Ocampos back and a fit-again Susu in their side.
In contrast to Sevilla, Almeria have dropped from looking relatively safe to the verge of the relegation zone. Friday's 6-2 defeat to Girona saw some chaotic defending, and with Barca, Villarreal and Sevilla next up, coach Rubi needs to find solutions and he needs to find them quickly. ■
