MX23RW : Sunday, December 29 20:03:34| >> :60:66:66:

Sports Mole's La Liga Team of the Week

Sports Mole's La Liga Team of the Week
© PA Photos
Sports Mole selects its 11 star performers in Spain following another enthralling week of La Liga action.

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo were both once more among the scoring in week 29 of La Liga, but neither could fire their teams to victory on an enthralling weekend of Spanish football.

Messi, who scored in his 19th league match in a row, thought he had done enough to secure Barcelona victory against Celta Vigo on Saturday, but a late header from Borja Oubina ensured that the points were shared in a 2-2 draw.

Ronaldo also continued his fine scoring run with a goal in Real Madrid's clash against Real Zaragoza on the same evening, but an early strike from Rodri ensured that the points were shared as Madrid's push for second position stalled.

Rayo Vallecano and Malaga opened the action on week 29, with the away side picking up a much-needed three points to return to winning ways. Levante also hosted Sevilla in the late start, with the home side 1-0 winners courtesy of a stunning strike from Ruben Garcia five minutes before the break.

Osasuna recorded an impressive 3-1 win over Real Valladolid in the opening match on Sunday, before Deportivo La Coruna edged a five-goal thriller against fellow relegation contenders Real Mallorca.

Real Sociedad travelled to an ever-improving Espanyol in the penultimate match of the weekend, but they needed a late own goal from Javi Lopez to secure a share of the spoils in a 2-2 draw.

Atletico Madrid knew that three points in the final match on Sunday would have moved them into second position in the table, but they could only draw 1-1 against an ever-improving Valencia.

The action concluded on Monday evening with Athletic Bilbao easing their relegation troubles with a 1-0 win over Granada, before Real Betis and Getafe shared the points in a goalless draw.

Here, Sports Mole selects its 11 star performers in Spain following another drama-filled week of La Liga action.

Gustavo Munua (Levante)
The 35-year-old stopper was in fine form in Levante's 1-0 win over Sevilla on Saturday. The experienced Uruguayan not only made two world-class saves to deny Alvaro Negredo in the second period, he was also a calming influence on the rest of his team.

Christian Lell (Levante)
Despite Levante's struggles in recent weeks, the 29-year-old has continued to impress. He was up to his old antics in the win over Sevilla on Saturday as he demonstrated his ability to defend and attack with equal success. It was another composed performance from the German right-back.
Ricardo Costa (Valencia)
The experienced defender was once more on top form in Valencia's 1-1 draw with Atletico Madrid on Sunday. With his side struggling to keep possession in the final stages, Costa was prepared to settle on the ball, which calmed those around him.
Miranda (Atletico Madrid)
With Atletico coming under pressure in the majority of their 1-1 draw with Valencia on Sunday, the Brazilian's no-nonsense attitude allowed his side to remain in the match. Not only was his use of the ball impressive, but he was also commanding in the air.
Javi Chica (Real Betis)
The 0-0 draw between Real Betis and Getafe was not the most thrilling of matches, but that was mainly due to each defence. Chica was the star of the show for the home side as he demonstrated his ability on the ball, while quelling the threat of Pedro Leon throughout the 90 minutes.

Borja Oubina (Celta Vigo)
The 30-year-old was the pick of the Celta Vigo players in their 2-2 draw with Barcelona on Saturday. He outperformed the likes of Alex Song and Cesc Fabregas before scoring an equaliser in the final couple of minutes. It was another impressive display from the Spaniard.
Luka Modric (Real Madrid)
It wasn't the most sparkling of performances from Real Madrid in the 1-1 draw with Real Zaragoza, but Modric set the tempo for the capital outfit. The Croatian has been criticised for his performances this season, but has emerged into a key member of Jose Mourinho's plans in recent months.
Xabi Prieto (Real Sociedad)
The 29-year-old once more ran the show for Sociedad in their 2-2 draw with Espanyol on Sunday. The Spaniard not only dictated the tempo with his cultured style, but was also prepared to put his foot in when it mattered. Another composed performance from one of the finest midfielders in the division.
Cristian Tello (Barcelona)
On this form, it will be difficult for Tito Vilanova to leave the Spanish winger out of the team on his return from illness. The 21-year-old was the star man in the 2-2 draw with Celta Vigo on Saturday as he scored a wonderful equaliser before assisting Messi for their second.

Kike Sola (Osasuna)
The Spaniard was in fine form in his side's 3-1 win over Real Valladolid on Sunday. Osasuna have struggled to score goals this season, but in Sola they have a player who can certainly find the back of the net. Two goals in 10 minutes for the 27-year-old moved his side into the lead.
Sergio Garcia (Espanyol)
The 29-year-old may not be the most decorated performer in La Liga, but he has been a big player for Espanyol in recent months. Another goal and an assist helped his side to a respectable 2-2 draw against high-flying Real Sociedad on Sunday.

ID:77296: cacheID:77296:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:9328:
Written by
Matt Law
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Gonzalo Higuain
Read Next:
Sports Mole's La Liga Team of the Week
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
FT
Cardinals
9-13
Rams
6pm
Jets
@
Bills
6pm
Panthers
@
Buccaneers
6pm
Colts
@
Giants
6pm
Titans
@
Jags
6pm
Raiders
@
Saints
9.25pm
Packers
@
Vikings
9.05pm
Dolphins
@
Browns
6pm
Cowboys
@
Eagles
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Atletico MadridAtletico18125133122141
2Real Madrid18124241182340
3Barcelona19122551222938
4Athletic Bilbao19106329171236
5Villarreal188643430430
6Mallorca199371921-230
7Real Sociedad187471613325
8GironaGirona187472625125
9Real BetisBetis186752122-125
10Osasuna186752327-425
11Celta Vigo187382728-124
12Rayo Vallecano185762021-122
13Las PalmasLas Palmas186482327-422
14Sevilla186482027-722
15Leganes184681728-1118
16AlavesAlaves184592130-917
17Getafe183781115-416
18Espanyol1843111630-1415
19Valencia172691626-1012
20Real ValladolidValladolid1833121237-2512


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!