Sports Mole's La Liga Team of the Week

Barcelona were crowned league champions for the fourth time in five years this weekend following Real Madrid's failure to secure all three points against Espanyol on Saturday evening.

Jose Mourinho's side entered the match knowing that only three points would keep their slender title hopes alive, but a 1-1 draw against a stern Espanyol outfit handed the Catalan giants their 22nd La Liga title of their illustrious history.

Madrid's result would not have mattered in terms of the league crown, however, with Barcelona securing all three points against Atletico Madrid on Sunday, with the capital outfit now switching their focus to the Copa del Rey final against rivals Real Madrid on Friday.

Week 35's action began on Friday evening as Levante welcomed a Real Zaragoza side that sat just outside the relegation zone. In what was a low-key affair, the away team secured a share of the spoils to keep their heads just above water with three matches of the season remaining.

Another relegation six-pointer took place in the opening match on Saturday as basement outfit Real Mallorca travelled to Athletic Bilbao, who were themselves not safe from the drop. However, a 2-1 victory for the home side secured their spot in the division for another season, leaving Mallorca five points from safety.

Deportivo La Coruna's seven-match unbeaten run came to an end as they wer defeated 1-0 by Real Valladolid in the second match of the afternoon, before Osasuna capitalised on dropped points by the teams around them with a 1-0 win over Getafe, who remain in the hunt for a Europa League spot.

Valencia travelled to an out-of-form Rayo Vallecano on Sunday, with the Champions League hopefuls moving into fourth position in the table courtesy of a 4-0 victory, before Celta Vigo's relegation troubles continued as they suffered a 1-0 defeat to Europa League contenders Real Betis.

Sevilla travelled to Malaga in the final match of the weekend looking for just their second away win of the season, but the points were shared in a fairly forgettable goalless draw at La Rosaleda.

Here, Sports Mole selects its 11 star performers in Spain following another pulsating weekend of La Liga football.

Kiko Casilla (Espanyol)
There is no question that the 26-year-old has been one of the best shot-stoppers in La Liga this season. He further demonstrated that point with a fine display in his side's 1-1 draw with Real Madrid on Saturday. He was called into action on a number of occasions in the second period, but it was his distribution and aerial dominance that impressed the most.

Alejandro Arribas (Osasuna)
It has not been the easiest of seasons for Osasuna, but three points against Getafe on Saturday aided their chances of remaining in the division. It was the Spaniard's goal that secured the win, but the 24-year-old was once more defensively sound, providing a base for those ahead of him to force the issue.
Damia (Osasuna)
Alongside Arribas, the 31-year-old was also a tower of strength at the heart of the Osasuna defence. It could be argued that the clash with Getafe was the club's biggest match of the season. Big matches need big players and Damia certainly rose to the occasion. He was confident on the deck and dominant in the air.
Jeremy Mathieu (Valencia)
The Frenchman spent a large part of the early season on the sidelines, but he has emerged into a key player in recent weeks. It has been suggested that Real Madrid are monitoring developments, which is no surprise. He produced another defensive masterclass in Valencia's 4-0 win over Rayo on Sunday.
Miranda (Atletico Madrid)
The Brazilian may have been on the losing side on Sunday as Atletico Madrid were beaten 2-1 by Barcelona, but both goals for the Catalan outfit were fortuitous to say the least. It is no coincidence that the centre-back has been part of the best defence in La Liga this season. He provided the complete performance this weekend.
Hector Moreno (Espanyol)
It is no easy task shackling the likes of Gonzalo Higuain, Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo, but the Mexican defender certainly made it look that way in his side's 1-1 draw with Real Madrid on Saturday. In addition to providing a defensive master class, the 25-year-old was also a real threat with his presence in the opposing penalty area.

Andres Guardado (Valencia)
Left-back, left-wing, centre-midfield. The Mexican has been asked to perform in a number of positions this season and has excelled in each. He was moved into a midfield role in the latter stages of his side's 4-0 win over Rayo on Sunday, where he added his side's third with a cool finish just past the hour mark.
Cesc Fabregas (Barcelona)
While his teammates were certainly off the pace in Barcelona's clash with Atletico Madrid on Sunday, the Spanish midfielder had the welcome attribute of keeping possession. When Lionel Messi was forced off in the second period, the former Arsenal man moved into a more advanced role, with his movement creating space for those around him.
Ander Herrera (Athletic Bilbao)
It has not quite been the season that many expected from the young Spaniard, but he has found some form in recent weeks. It was his goal that secured a point against Barcelona a couple of weeks ago, while his calmness in possession was a key part of Bilbao's 2-1 win over Real Mallorca on Saturday.

Roberto Soldado (Valencia)
The Spaniard continued his fine season with a double in Valencia's 4-0 win over Rayo Vallecano on Sunday. His first, which came from the penalty spot, was even more impressive having had a goal disallowed moments earlier. The second was typical from the 27-year-old as he found the bottom corner from close range.
Sergio Garcia (Espanyol)
The 29-year-old may not be the most cultured striker in the league, but what he lacks in quality he more than makes up for with pure desire. It was his assist that allowed Christian Stuani to score in Espanyol's 1-1 draw with Real Madrid on Saturday, while his impressive movement did not allow the opposing defence a moment's peace.