The La Liga title race is down to Barcelona and Real Madrid, after Atletico Madrid's challenge ended in defeat on Sunday. Barcelona are the favourites to retain their title, but Real Madrid, after a terrific run, will be right there to take advantage of any slipups.
Slipup is what Atletico Madrid did, as Diego Simeone's men went down 2-1 to Levante. Needing a win, or at least a similar result to Barca's, to stay in touching distance, Atletico, perhaps thinking about the Champions League final against Real Madrid, gave up a one-goal advantage against a team that has already been relegated.
One point separates Barcelona and Real Madrid, with Atletico's defeat putting them three points behind the leaders. With an inferior head-to-head record, Atletico's chances of winning a second title in three seasons are gone.
Fernando Torres opened the scoring in the first minute for Atletico Madrid, and it looked like being another comfortable enough outing for Simeone's team. However, Victor Cassadeus scored an equaliser for Levante, before former Manchester United man Giuseppe Rossi scored a late winner to break Atletico hearts.
That now makes it a two-horse race for the La Liga title, with Barcelona thumping local rivals Espanyol and Real Madrid pulling off a hard-fought win over 10-man Valencia.
Lionel Messi opened the scoring for Barca with a brilliant freekick, before Luis Suarez grabbed two goals to make it 3-0. Rafinha and Neymar then grabbed a goal each to add the gloss to the scoreline and keep the title race in their hands.
Real Madrid had two goals from Cristiano Ronaldo to thank in their 3-2 win over Valencia. Ronaldo opened the scoring for Real Madrid, before Karim Benzema made it 2-0.
However, Rodrigo Moreno, who would also get a red card, halved the deficit, before Ronaldo made it 3-1 soon after. Andre Gomes pulled one back for 3-2, but Real Madrid held on for the win.
The final round of La Liga fixtures will be played next Sunday. Barcelona travel to Granada, while Real Madrid, who have won 11 matches in a row in the league, face Deportivo La Coruna.
