League leaders Real Madrid required a second-half comeback to defeat a determined Deportivo de La Coruna side on Saturday.
The 3-2 victory at the Santiago Bernabeu extended Los Blancos’ unbeaten streak to 35 matches across all competitions and kept their six-point lead at the top of the table intact.
Barcelona thoroughly dominated their match at Osasuna in a comprehensive 3-0 win, while Atletico Madrid struggled in a 3-0 loss at Villarreal on Monday evening.
We look at La Liga’s best players from Matchweek 15.
GK – Sergio Rico – Sevilla FC
Sevilla bounced back from a disappointing loss last week at Granada with a 3-0 victory at Celta Vigo on Sunday. Goalkeeper Sergio Rico’s performance was instrumental in the club earning all three points on their travels.
The Spanish international made six saves and kept the clean sheet, as Los Nervionenses currently sit third in the league standings.
LB – Jordi Alba – Barcelona
Barcelona made the most of their visit to Osasuna on Saturday afternoon, with left-back Jordi Alba turning in an exceptional performance at both ends of the pitch.
Alba provided two assists and was a constant threat with his movement up the left flank.
CB – Victor Ruiz – Villarreal CF
Villarreal and manager Fran Escriba again displayed incredible defensive positioning and work rate in their victory over Atletico on Monday. Centre-back Victor Ruiz was outstanding in clearing out scoring opportunities and keeping the opposing attack from moving forward.
Along with fellow central defender Alvaro Gonzalez, Ruiz was a key component in keeping the clean sheet on the evening.
CB – Sergio Ramos – Real Madrid CF
Another week and another crucial goal from Sergio Ramos for Real Madrid. The Spanish international’s stoppage-time strike against Deportivo brought all three points for Zinedine Zidane’s side.
While there were second-half issues at the back for Real, Ramos’ accurate passes and late goal helped keep the club’s unbeaten streak alive.
RB – Roberto Rosales – Malaga CF
Right-back Roberto Rosales tallied a first-half assist that saw Malaga secure a 1-1 draw against Granada on Friday. Despite early difficulties in the campaign, Los Boquerones are unbeaten in their last five league matches.
Rosales performed well along the back-line throughout, and his cross from the right side to Ignacio Camacho for the opening goal was sublime.
MF – Steven N’Zonzi – Sevilla FC
Sevilla was the better side against Celta Vigo, and much praise belongs to central midfielder Steven N’Zonzi for the victory.
The Frenchman’s defensive positioning and passing into the attack kept the match in front of the club during the encounter.
MF – Sergio Busquets – Barcelona
Barcelona controlled their game at Osasuna thanks to fantastic midfield play from Sergio Busquets.
Completing passes all across the pitch and adding an assist as well, Busquets continues to be an important piece to Barcelona’s success.
MF – Manu Trigueros – Villarreal CF
Always bound to be a physical battle with Atletico Madrid, Villarreal midfielder Manu Trigueros responded in spectacular fashion. Along with Bruno Soriano, the Yellow Submarine were able to keep a clean sheet against a high-powered attack.
Trigueros opened the scoring in the 28th minute on the way to Villarreal’s 3-0 win.
FW – Willian Jose – Real Sociedad
Saturday featured a match of highs and lows for Real Sociedad forward Willian Jose. The Brazilian’s two first-half goals were essential to La Real’s 3-2 victory over Valencia.
Unfortunately, Jose was subbed off early in the second half due to injury.
FW – Vicente Iborra – Sevilla FC
Sevilla striker Vicente Iborra played less than 45 minutes as a second-half substitute at Celta Vigo, but that did not stop the Spanish forward from making the biggest impact on the match.
Iborra’s hat-trick led the club to its 3-0 victory.
FW – Lionel Messi – Barcelona
Lionel Messi was in sparkling form yet again on Saturday in Barcelona’s win at Osasuna. Messi scored two goals in the 3-0 victory for the Blaugrana.
The Argentine’s passing was excellent, and the club was able to dictate the tempo of the match in the second half.
Barcelona now prepares to host RCD Espanyol at the Camp Nou on Sunday.
