A historic run came to a close this weekend for the league leaders, as Sevilla ended Real Madrid’s 40-match unbeaten streak with a 2-1 home victory on Sunday evening.
Sevilla now sit second in La Liga, only one point behind Los Blancos.
Saturday’s fixtures saw Barcelona dominate at the Camp Nou in a 5-0 victory over Las Palmas, while Atletico Madrid earned an important three points with a 1-0 win against Real Betis.
We highlight the best players in Spain’s top flight for Matchweek 18.
GK – Gorka Iraizoz – Athletic Bilbao
Athletic Bilbao earned a key point on their travels Saturday afternoon in a 0-0 draw at Leganes. Captain Gorka Iraizoz was crucial to the result in the goal, recording five saves.
Bilbao currently sit seventh, three points adrift of Villarreal.
LB – Antonio Luna – SD Eibar
Eibar remained in the top half of the league table with a 3-2 victory at Sporting Gijon. Antonio Luna’s work along the backline helped lead Los Armeros to the three points.
The defender scored a goal, and his movement into the attack was a constant threat to the home side.
CB – Diego Godin – Atletico Madrid
Few players in Spain can match the abilities of Atletico Madrid centre-back Diego Godin, and his talents were on display again in Saturday’s victory for Los Rojiblancos.
Godin cleared out several scoring opportunities and his passing in transition was excellent.
CB – Inigo Martinez – Real Sociedad
Real Sociedad secured a 2-0 victory at Malaga on Monday evening, with Inigo Martinez contributing on both ends of the pitch.
Martinez scored the match’s opening goal and was instrumental in La Real keeping the clean sheet.
RB – Martin Montoya – Valencia CF
Valencia earned an important three points on Sunday with a 2-1 win over Espanyol. Right-back Martin Montoya scored in the 17th minute to give the hosts an early lead.
Excellent passing and sharp movement from Los Che were spectacular elements to the goal.
MF – Steven N’Zonzi – Sevilla FC
Sevilla’s victory over Real Madrid was tremendous, as Steven N’Zonzi continues to make a case for being one of the best midfielders in La Liga.
His positioning and vision were outstanding on Sunday evening, as Los Nervionenses were able to contain the Madrid attack.
MF – Nemanja Radoja – Celta Vigo
Celta Vigo’s fine recent form continued this past weekend with a 1-0 victory over Alaves. Celta have won their past five consecutive matches across all competitions.
Serbian international Nemanja Radoja scored the winner in the 89th minute of a thrilling encounter.
MF – Nani – Valencia CF
Valencia’s win created space above the relegation zone, and much praise belongs to former Manchester United winger Nani.
His movement from midfield into the attack was superb and the Portuguese international assisted on the opening goal.
FW – Luis Suarez – Barcelona
Barcelona never looked uncomfortable against Las Palmas on Sunday, with striker Luis Suarez’s brace (14’, 57’) paving the way to a 5-0 victory.
The club currently sit third in the table, one point back of Sevilla.
FW – Stevan Jovetic – Sevilla FC
It has been quite the week for Stevan Jovetic.
Brought in on loan from Inter Milan only days prior to Sevilla’s match against Real Madrid, his goal in stoppage-time sent the Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan into a wild celebration.
FW – Lionel Messi – Barcelona
Barcelona’s victory over Las Palmas was made possible with a complete performance, as Lionel Messi once again played a significant role.
The Argentine put constant pressure on the visitors and scored a goal in the second half.
