Four matches of the 18th round were played in the Spanish "Primera" league on Sunday.
Two Spanish giants - "Barcelona" and Madrid's "Atletico" team clashed at the "Camp Nou" stadium. Luis Enrique's team secured a convincing victory with a score of 3-1.
In the first half, the Catalans showed a clear dominance, breaking through in the 12th minute. Neymar scored after a precise pass from Luis Suarez.
The Spanish vice-champions' fans didn't have to wait long for another goal - after a brilliant run by Lionel Messi, L. Suarez defeated the opponents' goalkeeper.
However, in the second half, "Atletico" did not intend to give up and got their chance in the 57th minute, when a penalty was awarded against Claudio Bravo, and L. Messi scored for the guests from Madrid. "Rojiblancos" took advantage of this opportunity, and Mario Mandzukic reduced the gap.
Despite this, Diego Simeone's team failed to equalize the score in the remaining time, and L. Messi sealed the victory in the 87th minute.
After the win, "Barcelona" with 41 points closed in on the leading Madrid "Real" club by just one point, although the "whites" have played one game less.
In other matches, "Sevilla" and "Elche" defeated their opponents, while the "Granada" - "Real Sociedad" match ended in a draw.
Results:
"Barcelona" 3 - 1 "Atletico"
12' [1 - 0] Neymar
35' [2 - 0] L.Suarez
57' [2 - 1] M.Mandzukic (penalty)
87' [3 - 1] L.Messi
"Almeria" 0 - 2 "Sevilla"
58' [0 - 1] V.Iborra
63' [0 - 2] Coke
"Athletic Bilbao" 1 - 2 "Elche"
17' [0 - 1] V.Rodriguez
53' [0 - 2] F.Fajr
73' [1 - 2] M.San Jose
"Granada" 1 - 1 "Real Sociedad"
36' [0 - 1] C.Vela (penalty)
79' [1 - 1] F.Rico (penalty)
League table:
