This past weekend was a competitive one in Spanish football. Instead of a usual game with a litany of goals, all the top three teams were severly tested in their matches. Atlético endured a tough physical match at home against Sevilla, and consequently only came away with one point. Real Madrid hosted a vastly inferior Real Betis side, but only came away with one point as well. Barcelona now shares the top spot after traveling to Málaga and coming away with a three points in a tough match of their own.

Barcelona escape with three

Young prodigy Munir got the Catalans on the board early with a goal in the second minute, but Málaga quickly responded in the eigth with a goal from Juanpi. Munir, who usually does not feature in Barcelona's starting lineup for Luis Enrique, got the start as Neymar was out nursing a hamstring injury.

Málaga had a great chance for a second goal later in the first half with Charles getting the ball into the penalty area, only to be challenged by Javier Macherano. On the replay it looked like Mascherano did not get the ball, but it was Charles who was given a yellow card for diving.

Messi had a beautiful goal to put Barcelona up 2-1, firing it in off a volley from the Brazilian Adriano, another bench player getting some time on the pitch.

This completes a season sweep of Málaga by Barcelona. Sweet revenge after Málaga took four points from them last year.

Madrid teams struggle

In the capital, Atlético and Real Madrid both hosted games at home on Sunday, only to come away with one point each. Real especially missed out on an opportunity to close the gap between them and the top spot, looking inept against 14th place Real Betis.

Despite their recent run of good form under new manager Zinedine Zidane, Real Madrid looked confused on how to attack. On the other hand Betis did a wonderful job in counter attack, capitalizing on Madrid's frequent turnovers.

Ronaldo also continued his run of un-Ronaldo-like form, missing a golden opportunity early in the first half to equalize. It would have proven key, as Karim Benzema pulled Madrid even with a gold in the 71st minute.

Atléti played their typical physical style, although this time they were matched by Sevilla, how had something to play for themselves. Sevilla with the draw, pulled themselves level on points with sixth place Eibar, in the process getting themselves closer to a European tournament spot for next year. It was truly a remarkable effort by Sevilla, who were down to 10 men for much of the second half.

With a win, Real could have pulled themselves to within two points of the lead. Instead they reamin four points off. However now, Barcelona is tied with Atlético Madrid for first, although Barça have played one less match.

Photo:Flickr