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Sports Mole's La Liga Team of the Week

Sports Mole picks out its 11 star performers from another week of enthralling La Liga action.

Real Madrid took control of the La Liga title race this weekend, with Carlo Ancelotti's side moving four points clear of second-placed Barcelona, who lost at home to Malaga for the first time in the league since 1999.

Reigning champions Atletico Madrid are now seven points behind Real Madrid, meanwhile, following a routine 3-0 win over Almeria on Saturday.

Week 24's action opened from the Spanish capital on Friday, with Getafe overcoming Espanyol 2-1 to move seven points clear of the drop zone.

Saturday's opening match brought the shock result of the weekend – and one of the shocks of the season – as Barcelona lost 1-0 at home to Malaga.

Valencia took control of fourth position in the next fixture with a 2-1 win at struggling Cordoba, before Atletico beat Almeria. Celta Vigo continued their excellent run, meanwhile, with a 2-0 victory over Deportivo La Coruna.

Real Sociedad beat Sevilla 4-3 in Sunday's early start after scoring twice in the final 10 minutes, before Sociedad's Basque rivals Athletic Bilbao overcame Rayo Vallecano courtesy of a late strike from Aritz Aduriz.

Villarreal took advantage of Sevilla's slip with a 1-0 win over Eibar, before Real Madrid ended the weekend's action with a comfortable 2-0 victory at Elche.

On Monday, Levante scored twice in the final two minutes against nine-man Granada to secure a 2-1 victory on their own patch.

Here, Sports Mole picks out its 11 star performers from another week of La Liga action.

Jonathan Lopez (Getafe)
Espanyol had seven shots on target against Getafe on Friday, but could only force a late consolation in their 2-1 defeat. The hosts defended well, but they had to rely on their goalkeeper to make a string of excellent saves.

Pepe (Real Madrid)
This season, the Portuguese has been a calming influence at the heart of the Real Madrid back four and that continued at the weekend. The centre-back was strong and composed in his side's 2-0 win over Elche.
Weligton (Malaga)
The Brazilian was just excellent in his side's 1-0 win at Barcelona on Saturday. The experienced defender made a number of excellent blocks, while he dealt impressively with the Catalan outfit's attacking threat.
Miguel Torres (Malaga)
All four of Malaga's defenders were excellent at the Camp Nou, but Torres has to make this team alongside Weligton. Neymar found it difficult to get the better of the Spaniard, who did not put a foot wrong.

Pablo Piatti (Valencia)
The 25-year-old scored the winner in Valencia's 2-1 win at Cordoba on Saturday, which strengthened their grip on fourth. The hosts found it difficult to contain the Argentine, who had a super match in a wide position.
Sergi Darder (Malaga)
The midfielder's performances this season have been of a very high level and he had another super 90 minutes at the Camp Nou. The Spaniard was absolutely everywhere as he bossed matters in the middle of the park.
Isco (Real Madrid)
The Spaniard was clapped off the field in Real Madrid's 2-0 win at Elche on Sunday after a sensational performance. He set up Cristiano Ronaldo for his side's second late on, but his overall work was what most impressed.
Xabi Prieto (Real Sociedad)
Prieto scored twice as Sociedad beat Sevilla 4-3 on Sunday, including the winner in the final minute. It was a real captain's performance from the midfielder, who pulled his team through the final 10 minutes.

Antoine Griezmann (Atletico Madrid)
The Frenchman continued his excellent run of form with a brace in Atletico's 3-0 win over Almeria on Saturday. The visitors just could not live with the attacker, who combined superbly with Mario Mandzukic.
Mario Mandzukic (Atletico Madrid)
The striker played just an hour against Almeria, but got through plenty of work – netting early on from the penalty spot, before setting up Griezmann for both of the Frenchman's goals. Has been in excellent form.
David Barral (Levante)
With 87 minutes on the clock, Levante were heading for defeat at home to nine-man Granada, but two goals in the final three minutes turned the match on its head. Barral scored the winner to cap a strong performance.

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La Liga Team of the Week
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FT
Ravens
30-23
Chargers
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Barcelona14111242142834
2Real Madrid1393128111730
3Atletico MadridAtletico148512181329
4Villarreal137422521425
5Athletic Bilbao146532013723
6Osasuna146441922-322
7GironaGirona146352018221
8Mallorca146351312121
9Real BetisBetis145541616020
10Real Sociedad145361111018
11Celta Vigo145362224-218
12Sevilla145361318-518
13Rayo Vallecano134451314-116
14Leganes143561319-614
15Getafe142751011-113
16AlavesAlaves144191524-913
17Las PalmasLas Palmas143381825-712
18Valencia122461219-710
19Espanyol133191226-1410
20Real ValladolidValladolid142391027-179


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