La Liga had its biggest weekend of soccer thus far in the second half both on and off the pitch. First, the January transfer window closed Sunday without any of the big teams making any sort of splash. Unless you consider Real Madrid loaning out bench player and Russian international Denis Cheryshev out to Valencia as a splash.

Other big news off the pitch as it pertains to former Spain international and Barcelona manager extraordinaire Pep Guardiola. Monday morning it was announced that Guardiola would be headed to the English Premier League to coach Manchester City. Chilean Manuel Pellegrini is the current manager, but City announced that the former Real Madrid boss would be stepping down at the end of the season.

It was announced earlier this season that this would be Guardiola's last season at the helm of his current club, Bayern Munich. Soon after the announcement, Pep said that a Champion's League trophy this campaign would make his time in Munich, "complete."

Barça move into first with a 2-1 win

The big game was Saturday in Barcelona, as Atlético Madrid came to town to battle the home team for sole possession of first place in Spain. Los rojiblancos got off to a fast start early, with Koke opening up the scoring for Atlético 10 minutes into the match. Their lead lasted exactly 20 minutes has Lionel Messi showed up to the party and put through the equalizer and Luis Suarez put Barcelona up for good soon later in the 38th minute.

Even with the early lead Diego Simeone's men couldn't throw Barcelona off their game, failing to impose their physicality to force Barcelona into turning over the ball and suffering any consequences. On the contrary, Barcelona was able to consistently play with possession in the visitor's half for much of the match.

Atlético has been in a swoon as of late, playing to a scoreless draw at home against Sevilla and losing their Copa del Rey match up with Celta Vigo. They should have a chance to regain their confidence in their next match against Eibar back in the friendly confines of the Vicente Calderon. If they don't murmurs of a change could rumble throughout Spain.

Real play their best soccer of the year in a 6-0 barrage

Real Madrid hosted Barcelona's other team, Espanyol the following day. Espanyol came in with defeat all but decided, as they were starting a goalkeeper they had just signed the previous Thursday. 

Cristiano Ronaldo played arguably his best game, scoring a hat-trick and showing a speed and quickness he hasn't shown all year. His second goal was truly the Ronaldo of old, with footwork that allowed him to get around a couple defenders before rocketing a left-footed shot into the net. 

All around Real Madrid showed a cohesion and crisp passing scheme that they haven't had all this season. Zinedine Zidane has said that he is looking to eliminate unecessary touches by players, and it seems they understand what he wants. Isco has been given new life, and it looks like Zidane will give him the consistent minutes he needs in order to shine.

Karim Benzema opened the scoring off a brilliant back-heel by Isco and James Rodriguez also scored for Madrid. Los blancos kept pace with Barcelona, and gained three points on Atlético. Still they are in third place with 47 points. Barcelona is in first with 51.

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