Barcelona proved to be too much for Villarreal to handle as they thumped the Yellow Submarine 4-1 to retain top spot in La Liga, albeit temporarily given Real Madrid still have a trump card in their possession in the form of a game in hand.
Neymar put on a magnificent display as he took players on and entertained the crowd with regularity.
The Brazil international opened the scoring in the 21st-minute before Cedric Bakambu drew things level 11 minutes later.
Lionel Messi found the back of the net in the closing stages of the first half before Luis Suarez notched a goal in the 69th-minute.
Messi closed the scoring with a penalty in the 82d-minute which went past Andres Fernandez and into the back of the net.
Barca currently sit atop the league table level on points with Real Madrid, although Barca will miss out on the title should Madrid win their next three games.
Granada, whose relegation was only just recently confirmed amid Tony Adam’s short spell at the Nuevo Los Carmenes, were beaten 4-0 by Real Madrid on Sunday in a squad primarily full of fringe players.
Ronaldo. Benzema, Isco, Kroos, Modric and Marcelo sat the game out with Zidane resting them with the intent to keep them fit and fresh ahead of the Champions League semi-final second leg tie with Atletico Madrid.
James Rodriguez opened the scoring in the 3rd-minute as he latched on to a ball from Lucas Vazquez.
James scored again in the 11th-minute, although this time he was assisted by Fabio Coentrao.
Alvaro Morata notched Madrid’s 3rd goal in the 30th-minute before completing his brace five minutes later as Los Blancos practically secured the three points within just 35 minutes of the game.
Diego Godin was shown a red card against Eibar on Saturday having been the recipient of two yellow cards. His sending off came in the closing stages of the game, though; hence its effect on Atletico’s performance was reduced to the barest minimum.
Saul Niguez scored Atleti’s lone goal as Diego Simeone’s side beat Eibar 1-0 to increase he distance between them and Sevilla.
Sevilla were held to a 1-1 draw by Real Sociedad at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan stadium on Friday night.
Pablo Sarabia opened the scoring in the 41st-minute before Carlos Vela notched the equaliser for Sociedad.
Sevilla are poised to be in the Champions League next season, whilst Sociedad sit in 7th-place, just behind Athletic Bilbao on goal difference.
Should Bilbao slip up in their remaining two games, Sociedad will be able to move into the last remaining Europa League qualifying spot.
David Zurutuza got sent off in the 79th-minute of the game having received two yellow cards.
Sporting Gijon beat Las Palmas 1-0 courtesy of a goal from Carlos Carmona at the El Molinon.
Gijon currently sit five points from La Liga safety with Deportivo La Coruna now occupying 17th-place.
Celta Vigo were beaten 3-0 away at Malaga with Javier Ontiveros, Jose Recio (penalty) and Sandro Ramirez all getting amongst the goals.
Monday night’s fixture saw Leganes thump Real Betis 4-0 thanks to goals from Alexander Szymanowski (brace), Nabil El Zhar and Gabriel.
Leganes are mathematically safe in La Liga; hence, they can’t be relegated this season.
Alaves secured a 1-0 win over Athletic Bilbao as Theo Hernandez struck home in the 53rd-minute to earn his side the three points.
Deportivo succumbed to a 2-1 defeat at home to Espanyol with Leo Baptistao and Gerardo Moreno leading the away team to victory whilst Florin Andone scored Depor’s lone goal.
Ezequiel Garay bagged a brace whilst Simone Zaza, and Rodrigo chipped in with the goals as Valencia beat the already relegated Osasuna 4-1. Osasuna’s consolation goal came through Miguel Olavide in the closing stages of the game.
La Liga Table after Matchday 36
