MADRID, Nov. 4 (Xinhua) -- FC Barcelona beat neighbors Espanyol to move nine points clear at the top of La Liga on Sunday, while Atletico Madrid also got back to winning ways on a weekend many believe shouldn't have gone ahead. Here are some things we learned in Spain this weekend.
1. Should matches have been played?
Many commentators believe that La Liga should have postponed the weekend fixtures in the wake of the tragic floods that claimed over 200 lives in the region of Valencia, and the matches between Valencia and Real Madrid and Villarreal and Rayo Vallecano were postponed.
Several coaches, including Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone and Hansi Flick at Barcelona, said the fixtures should have been played at a later date out of respect for the victims.
On the other hand, La Liga used the games played to raise awareness of the tragedy and to publicize and appeal for relief funds, while there are very few free days in Spain's already cramped fixture calendar.
2. 45 minutes is enough for Barca.
Two goals from Dani Olmo and another from Raphinha sentenced the derby between FC Barcelona and Espanyol in just half an hour to move Barca nine points clear at the top of La Liga.
Hansi Flick's side eased off on the pressure in the second half, and Espanyol scored a consolation goal through Javi Puado, but Espanyol may think of what might have been after they saw two goals ruled out for the narrowest of offside decisions.
The Barca defense pushed a long way forward on Sunday, as they did the previous week against Real Madrid, and the sensation is that rivals will always feel they have a chance of getting in behind if they can time their runs right.
3. Simeone Jr helps father Diego
Atletico Madrid enjoyed a much-needed easy win at home to Las Palmas after consecutive defeats and a narrow victory against sixth level opposition in the Copa del Rey in midweek.
Perhaps coach Diego Simeone was lucky that Las Palmas looked far from the side that had recovered with consecutive wins under Diego Martinez, and they lacked ambition in the Metropolitano Stadium on Sunday.
Simeone should also thank his son Guiliano, who won the late penalty that put Atletico ahead in Vic in midweek and then scored the opening goal on Sunday to help calm nerves. After a season on loan at Alaves, Simeone Jr is now showing his worth with Atletico.
4. Thriller in San Mames
Athletic Club Bilbao and Betis served the most entertaining game of the weekend as they drew 1-1 in the San Mames Stadium in a match packed with chances and excitement.
Athletic completely dominated the first half and hit the woodwork three times, as well as missing clear chances, while Betis keeper Rui Silva made a series of vital saves.
Betis then took the lead in the second half with their first shot of the game and almost doubled their lead before Alex Berenguer nodded home a deserved equalizer for the home side, who were again denied by Rui Silva in the closing minutes.
Both sides this season are always worth watching. ■
