Real Madrid and Barcelona both win

In an exciting weekend of La Liga action, both Real Madrid and FC Barcelona secured important victories, maintaining their momentum in the Spanish league's tight title race.

Real Madrid clings to victory

Real Madrid eked out a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Sevilla, with Luka Modric, the Croatian maestro, coming off the bench to become the matchwinner in the 81st minute. The 38-year-old veteran, who replaced Nacho and immediately donned the captain's armband, showcased his timeless quality by navigating a tight space on the edge of the box and slotting home via the post. This goal marks only Modric's second in the league this season, a testament to his enduring impact despite the advancing years.

The match also featured a poignant moment between former teammates Modric and Sevilla's Sergio Ramos, who shared a heartfelt embrace post-match. Ramos, a legend at Real Madrid with 671 appearances, was praised by Modric, highlighting the respect and bond between the two veterans.

FC Barcelona dominates Getafe

On the other hand, FC Barcelona displayed their dominance with a convincing 4-0 triumph over Getafe. The victory was marked by Frenkie de Jong's notable performance, as the Dutch midfielder scored the team's third goal. Despite personal criticisms of his game, emphasizing a self-assessment that belies his contribution to the scoreline, De Jong's efforts were acknowledged by his coach Xavi, who lauded his unique abilities and importance to the team.

De Jong's goal was historically significant as well, being recorded as Barcelona's 11,000th goal in club history. However, despite his on-field success, De Jong remains a harsh critic of his performances, a trait that contrasts sharply with the adulation from his coach and the milestone he achieved.

La Liga standings heat up

The weekend's results have intensified the La Liga standings, with Barcelona ascending to second place, trailing the league leaders Real Madrid by a narrow margin. As the season progresses, both teams continue to showcase their championship credentials, setting the stage for a thrilling conclusion to the Spanish top-flight campaign.