MADRID, Nov. 27 (Xinhua) -- Barcelona came out of their trip to Valencia's Mestalla Stadium intact, while Real and Atletico Madrid both won on Spain's matchday 13, but there were some key lessons to be learned this weekend at both ends of the Liga Santander table.
1. La Liga needs technology now!
Aside from the footballing aspects of the 1-1 draw between league leaders Barcelona and second placed Valencia in the Mestalla Stadium, the game gave us one clear image: that of the ball well over Valencia goal line in the first half after Valencia goalkeeper Neto failed to deal with Leo Messi's shot.
Incredibly referee Iglesias Villanueva played on and instead of being 1-0 up and playing some fine football, Barca would find themselves a goal down later on and fighting to save a point.
Barca coach Ernesto Valverde had the honesty to comment afterwards that earlier in the season against Malaga his side had scored when the ball had previously gone out of play.
However, that merely serves to highlight that LaLiga is the only one of the top five leagues not to have any video assisted technology. VAR will be introduced the season after next, but given the evidence, we need it now.
2. Goals make the difference for Real Madrid
Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema both put an end to their goal drought in domestic competition as Real Madrid defeated Malaga 3-2 in the Bernabeu.
In reality Benzema's goal was a tap in after Ronaldo had hit the bar, while the Portuguese's goal was a rebound after he had seen a penalty saved, but the goals helped Madrid to three vital points against a rival who caused them more problems than expected.
What the win should not conceal is that it was another home display in which Madrid failed to produce their best football, with the midfield especially looking flat. However, as so often has been the case with Real Madrid goals make the difference and if Ronaldo and Benzema are back on the goal trail, they still have title hopes.
3. Atletico Madrid come back to life
Although it is true that Levante lent them a hand in the first true goals, Atletico showed an efficiency in front of goal in their 5-0 win in the Ciudad de Valencia stadium that had been missing in recent months.
Antoine Griezmann and Kevin Gameiro both scored twice to add to the goals they netted against Roma in the Champions League and overall the side looked more fluid in attack. Lack of goals has been a real problem for Simeone's side this season, because their defense has remained rock solid, if Griezmann and Gameiro can continue this form during December, they too still have a chance of closing the gap at the top of the table.
4. Alaves look doomed, while Malaga still have hopes
Although they are separated by just one point at the bottom of the table, the difference in football and attitude between Alaves and Malaga is massive.
While Alaves coach Gianni Di Biasi left his most creative players (Pedraza, Munir, Bojan and Medran) on the bench for their 2-1 home defeat to Eibar, Malaga boss Michel was brave as his side played away to Real Madrid.
As a result Alaves didn't get a shot on target at home and against a direct rival to avoid the drop until the 85th minute and crashed to defeat, while Malaga pushed Madrid until the end and would have had a point if a goal on the stroke of halftime had not been harshly ruled out.
Di Biasi has a reputation for getting the best out of limited sides, but his obsession with defense, even at home, looks to have further limited an already limited squad, while at Malaga there is a confidence which can save them from relegation.
