La Liga Weekend Review: Villarreal Climbs to Third, Alavés Stuns Celta Vigo with Epic Comeback

The latest weekend in La Liga delivered another series of captivating matches, with ten fixtures concluding just before the season's final international break. Below is a summary of the key outcomes from these games.

Villarreal Strikes Blow to Real Sociedad’s Top Five Ambitions

Villarreal 3-1 Real Sociedad

A dominant first-half display propelled Villarreal to victory on Friday evening. Goals from Gerard Moreno, Georges Mikautadze, and Nicolas Pepe within the opening 23 minutes set the tone. Although Luka Sucic pulled one back for Real Sociedad in the second half, it wasn't enough to prevent defeat at La Ceramica. This result firmly positions the Yellow Submarine in 3rd place, particularly after Atletico Madrid's loss in the Madrid derby on Sunday.

Elche Rallies from Behind to Secure Crucial Win Against Mallorca

Elche 2-1 Mallorca

Elche successfully climbed out of the relegation zone on Saturday, achieving a come-from-behind victory over Mallorca, who now find themselves in the drop zone. Pablo Torre initially put the visitors ahead, but crucial goals from Rafa Mir and Tete Morente sealed a vital win for the home team.

Getafe Overtakes Espanyol Following Impressive Away Performance

Espanyol 1-2 Getafe

Getafe continues to defy expectations, with their latest notable result coming at the RCDE Stadium. Two goals just before halftime, courtesy of Domingos Duarte and Mauro Arambarri, put Jose Bordalas's squad in a strong position. Despite Roberto Fernandez netting for Espanyol in the second period, the visitors maintained their lead to clinch the win.

Levante Downs Real Oviedo to Boost Survival Prospects

Levante 4-2 Real Oviedo

Levante is now just three points clear of the relegation places, having extended their unbeaten streak with a well-deserved home victory against Real Oviedo. Carlos Espi's quick brace gave the hosts an excellent start, but within four first-half minutes, they were pegged back by goals from Ilyas Chaira and Federico Vinas. Nevertheless, the Valencians secured the win with second-half strikes from Iker Losada and Ivan Romero.

Osasuna Maintains Strong Home Record with Late Decisive Goal

Osasuna 1-0 Girona

In a tightly contested match, Osasuna leveraged their home advantage to secure a narrow win over Girona. Paulo Gazzaniga made several saves throughout the game, denying the hosts on multiple occasions, but he was ultimately powerless to stop Ante Budimir's header in the 80th minute.

Sevilla's Struggles Persist as Valencia Continues Recent Resurgence

Sevilla 0-2 Valencia

Valencia has now recorded three wins in their last four matches, placing them just three points outside the European qualification spots after a victory at the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan. First-half goals from Hugo Duro and Largie Ramazani secured the win for Los Che, intensifying the pressure on Sevilla head coach Matias Almeyda following their fourth consecutive winless match.

Alaves Achieves Sensational Comeback Victory at Balaidos

Celta Vigo 3-4 Alaves

The standout performance of the weekend came from Alaves, who staged a remarkable comeback from a 3-0 deficit to defeat Celta Vigo. Goals from Ferran Jutgla (twice) and Hugo Alvarez had the hosts comfortably ahead after 37 minutes, but the visitors mounted an incredible response with goals from Toni Martinez (twice), Angel Perez, and Abde Rebbach, moving them three points clear of the relegation zone.

Athletic Club Returns to Winning Ways, Defeating Real Betis

Athletic Club 2-1 Real Betis

In their first match since Ernesto Valverde announced his departure at the end of the season, Athletic Club secured a victory against Real Betis. Dani Vivian and Oihan Sancet scored before halftime, and although substitute Pablo Fornals found the net in the second period, Los Leones held on for a morale-boosting win.