Xavi Simeone and the wrath of relegation: LaLiga Matchday 25 recap

On Oscars weekend there was no shortage of drama in LaLiga. From blockbuster encounters to thrilling epics, heroes and villains, Matchday 25 wouldn't look out of place on the red carpet. Hosts Matt Clark (@MattClark_08) and Román De Arquer (@Aeroslavee) pore over the action and leave their reviews.

As it went, Barça maintained their nine-point advantage at the summit ahead of El Clásico next weekend, but they had to dig in deep in Bilbao. Another 1-0 win to add to the catalogue, this new-look resilience reminds Román of a different club and manager of recent LaLiga times.

Elsewhere there were humongous victories for two of the giants struggling at the bottom as Sevilla and Valencia both put themselves above the water line for another week at least.

In the race for Europe, it was a lap of consolation for the pretenders, as Real Sociedad, Villarreal and Betis all drew, keeping the contest intriguing.

The big weekend winners were Celta, and we salute them, Iago Aspas and Carlos Carvalhal, who has quietly transformed their outlook this season.

Ahead of another important week of European action, follow us @LaLigaLowdown on Twitter and subscribe to our Substack for more analysis: lllonline.substack.com.

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