Barcelona took a huge step towards the La Liga title at the weekend, with the Catalan outfit moving four points clear of second-placed Real Madrid with just two games of the season (hopefully) remaining.
Due to a proposed strike, which is due to come into effect this weekend, week 37 in La Liga could be the final round of fixtures that are seen in Spain's top flight this month.
A Spanish court is due to meet on Wednesday to discuss the legality of the strike, which has been called by the players' union protesting against a new TV rights law.
There are two rounds of matches left to play and it is hopeful that the season will be completed. If this weekend's fixtures do go ahead, Barcelona can wrap up the title with victory at Atletico Madrid.
Real Madrid needed to win on Saturday to keep within touching distance of Barca, who had beaten Real Sociedad 2-0 in the earlier match, but Los Blancos could only draw 2-2 at home to Valencia, who are now three points clear of fifth-placed Sevilla in the race for the final Champions League position.
Atletico Madrid, meanwhile, made it 13 games unbeaten in the league with a 2-2 draw at Levante on Sunday. As a result, the Spanish champions are now guaranteed a top-four finish this term.
Week 37's fixtures opened on Friday as Espanyol continued their push for the top seven with a 2-0 win at Eibar, who have dropped into the relegation zone following a torrid run of form.
Granada, however, boosted their hopes of survival with a 2-0 win over already-relegated Cordoba in the early start on Saturday, before Deportivo La Coruna moved out of the bottom three with a 1-1 draw at Athletic Bilbao.
On Sunday, Villarreal ensured that they would finish sixth for a second successive season with a 1-0 win over Elche, who could still be relegated due to their financial problems. Malaga, meanwhile, ended their long winless run with a 2-1 victory at Almeria to regain seventh position in the table.
Sevilla are still in the race for the top four, but their challenge was dented at Celta Vigo on Sunday evening, with the points being shared in a 1-1 draw.
The week's action concluded from the Spanish capital on Monday evening as Rayo Vallecano recorded a 2-0 victory over near-neighbours Getafe.
Here, Sports Mole has picked out its 11 star performers during what was another pulsating weekend of action in Spain's top flight.
Diego Alves (Valencia)
Simply put, Valencia would have been beaten at Real Madrid on Saturday if it were not for the performance of their goalkeeper. Alves denied Cristiano Ronaldo from the penalty spot late in the first period, in addition to making four or five sensational saves in the Spanish capital. Sergio Ramos and Javier Hernandez also watched in disbelief as both were denied by the Brazilian.
Ivan Lopez (Levante)
The 21-year-old was the star of the show as Levante claimed a point in a 2-2 draw with Atletico on Sunday afternoon. The Spaniard set up both of Levante's goals in Valencia, but it was his defensive work that impressed the most. Atletico, as expected, were the team pressing in the second period and Lopez showed his maturity to deal with a number of dangerous situations.
Inigo Martinez (Real Sociedad)
Sociedad might have been beaten at Barcelona on Saturday, but they made it extremely difficult for the Catalan outfit. A large reason for that was the away side's back four, who frustrated Barca's attack. Martinez was the standout performer for the Basque outfit, with the 23-year-old making a host of brilliant blocks and winning a number of vital headers.
Diego Mainz (Granada)
Mainz just loves scoring at the moment and the German registered again at the weekend as Granada made it back-to-back league wins with a 2-0 success over Cordoba, who have already been relegated. It is a game that the home side would have expected to win, but it took them until the 44th minute to open the scoring, with Mainz on hand to finish. The centre-back was also strong at the back.
Roberto Trashorras (Rayo Vallecano)
The legs might not move as fast as they once did, but Trashorras remains such a key player for Rayo. The 34-year-old was given time and space to pick his passes on Monday evening and he was in fine form as the hosts recorded a 2-0 win over Getafe. Trashorras set up Miku for Rayo's second of the match, but it was his overall performance that impressed the most in Madrid.
Mohamed Sissoko (Levante)
Levante had to work extremely hard to gain a point against Atletico on Sunday and there is no question that they deserved a share of the spoils. The home side's fighting spirit was embodied by Sissoko, who was simply everywhere as he battled for possession in the middle of the park. The 30-year-old was the standout midfielder on the pitch against the Spanish champions.
Javi Fuego (Valencia)
By his own admission, Fuego is not exactly a goal-scoring midfielder, but the Spaniard netted Valencia's second in their 2-2 draw at Real Madrid on Saturday. The goal itself was a fine header, but Fuego's best moments came protecting his back four. Dani Parejo and Andre Gomes – who have had fine seasons – were a little off-colour, but Fuego stood up to the challenge.
Fabian Orellana (Celta Vigo)
When Orellana is good, he is very, very good and that was the case at the weekend. The Celta attacker gave Sevilla absolute nightmares in their 1-1 draw on Sunday evening. Every time the Chilean picked up possession he was dangerous and on another day, he would have had a couple of goals. In truth, Celta were unfortunate not to collect all three points.
Lionel Messi (Barcelona)
Barcelona and indeed Messi have certainly played a lot better than they did against Sociedad, but the Argentine was still the best player on the field at Camp Nou. Messi provided another super cross to set up Neymar for the opening goal of the match, while he was the one player on the field that always looked capable of making something happen.
Sergio Garcia (Espanyol)
The 31-year-old scored Espanyol's first in their 2-0 win over Eibar at the weekend. On what was a tricky pitch, the Spaniard was a constant threat for the visitors, who are now just one point off the top seven following a strong run of form. Eibar had their moments during the match, but Garcia ultimately made the difference with a strong and energetic performance.
Santi Mina (Celta Vigo)
It has been some few weeks for the Spaniard and he further enhanced his growing reputation with Celta's equaliser in their 1-1 draw with Sevilla on Sunday. The goal itself came from the penalty spot, but the 19-year-old showed such confidence to step forward. Mina was a constant threat for the hosts and on another day, would have further increased his tally for the season.
