Barcelona continue to lead the way in Spain’s La Liga, a full seven points ahead of nearest and bitterest rivals Real Madrid. Villarreal are the best of the rest with Valencia, Espanyol and Athletico Bilbao the only real contenders for the European competition places heading into the closing months of the season. Malaga, Almeria and Levante prop up the rest although a mere five points covered bottom and 12^th position heading into February.

Two late Lionel Messi goals at Hercules last week helped seal Barca’s fifteenth consecutive win to equal Real’s fifty-year record. However, the main concentration at Camp Nou surrounds Brazilian Dani Alves’ future. He remains at the club despite rumours during the transfer window but sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta hopes that a deal can be struck to retain the services of the 27-year old right back.

Meanwhile, Real’s charismatic boss Jose Mourinho insists his team can catch their Catalan rivals despite speculation over rifts in the Los Galacticos squad. This was despite the recent shock loss to Osasuna.

Levante’s win over Getaffe last week saw them lifted off the bottom but they remain in the danger area. That said, Sporting Gijon sit in what would normally be comfortable mid-table but with 22 points, it will take only a couple of poor results for any of a number of teams to fall back to the relegation places.