LaLiga News and Results from Matchweek Nine as Real Madrid fall short

Matchweek 9 of LaLiga saw Real Madrid surrender their top spot in the league to their arch-rivals FC Barcelona, while Atletico Madrid drew a game for the fourth time in 9 games. Here's a review from the LaLiga weekend fixtures.

Grenada 1-0 Osasuna

Grenada continued defying expectations with their fifth win in 9 games as they beat Osasuna 1-0 at home. The goal from defender Domingos Duarte was enough to settle the tie as Grenada climbed to 3rd, ahead of Atletico Madrid.

Eibar 0-3 Barcelona

The game saw Griezzmann, Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez all finding the back of the net for the visitors as they ran out comfortable winners in the end. Despite Barcelona suffering at the back with injuries and inconsistency, the clean sheet would give a much-needed boost to Barcelona's defence. The win also opened a one-point gap between Barcelona and Real Madrid for the top spot, as Madrid failed to win the next day.

Atletico Madrid 1-1 Valencia

Atletico Madrid, on the other hand, has seen their early form dissipate as they succumbed to yet another draw; their third in as many league games. Despite being the better side at home, Atletico failed to test the opposition goalkeeper for much of the game. Diego Costa gave the home side the lead in the first half with a penalty before Dani Parejo restored parity in the 82nd minute. Also, Atletico attacker Joao Felix sprained his ankle during the clash which will come as a blow to the home side.

Also Read | LaLiga Eibar Vs Barcelona Player Ratings: Messi, Griezmann Score

Mallorca 1-0 Real Madrid

The major talking point from this weekend was Madrid's laboured performance in their defeat away at Mallorca. They did expectedly a have a bulk of the ball but failed to breach the home side who sit 15th in the league table. Gareth Bale, Eden Hazard and Luka Modric missed the game and this proved to be a huge miss for the visitors who dropped to second in the table. Luka Jovic once again looked lost in the Madrid attack which should be a worry for Zinedine Zidane moving ahead. The only goal of the game was scored by Junior Lago in the opening 10 minutes.

Also Read | LaLiga 2019-20: Real Madrid's League Momentum Falls Against Mallorca

Real Sociedad 3-1 Real Betis

Sociedad came back from behind to comfortably win the game 3-1 at home. The win takes the home side to fourth, tied on points with fifth-placed Atletico Madrid. Loren Moron scored for the seventh time this campaign, thereby becoming the outright top scorer in the league.

Also Read | LaLiga: Mallorca Vs Real Madrid Player Ratings As Real Lose 0-1

Other Results

Deportivo Alaves beat Celta Vigo 2-0, Villarreal beat a struggling Espanyol 1-0 while Sevilla also came out victorious after a late goal from Luuk de Jong helped them see off Levante. Also, Getafe won at home against Leganes while Atletic Club drew with Real Valladolid to conclude an exciting weekend in LaLiga.

Also Read | Real Madrid And Barcelona Agree On December 18 For El Clasico