Barca hammer Alaves to retain Liga top spot

Barcelona retained the Liga top spot after defeating Alavés, ensuring Atlético Madrid’s earlier move into first place was only temporary.

Atlético briefly moves ahead

Earlier in Valencia, Diego Simeone’s Atlético Madrid climbed one point clear of Barcelona after beating Levante. Alejandro Grimaldo and Giuliano Simeone scored for Atlético in that match.

Barcelona stays in front

Barcelona’s result against Alavés allowed the Catalan side to preserve its position at the top of the Liga standings. The sequence of results kept the title race closely contested, with Atlético’s advantage lasting only briefly.

Atlético’s goals against Levante provided the initial change at the summit, but Barcelona responded by holding onto first place.