Athletic Club Clinch Basque Derby, Atlético Madrid Seize La Liga Lead With Win Over Barcelona

Athletic Club Stand Tall in the Basque Derby

The Basque Derby always promises fireworks, and this time was no exception. Athletic Club pulled off a gritty La Liga win against their regional rivals, Real Sociedad, thanks to a clinical finish from Oihan Sancet. You could see what the game meant to both sets of supporters—there was tension with every tackle and roar after every chance, but it was Athletic's midfield charge that finally broke the deadlock. Sancet latched onto a loose ball just outside the box and buried it, sealing three points that keep Athletic Club's momentum rolling. They're on an unbeaten run in the league that's turning plenty of heads.

For Real Sociedad, it's more frustration. They managed plenty of possession but couldn't crack Athletic's tight back line. In derby matches, the difference is in the details, and this time, it was about taking that one big chance. As the dust settled, Athletic fans celebrated not just bragging rights, but a continued push closer to the league’s top spots.

Atlético Madrid Dethrone Barcelona in the Title Chase

Meanwhile, at the top of La Liga, Atlético Madrid sent a message you simply can't ignore. In a matchup loaded with talent and tension, Diego Simeone’s side took down FC Barcelona 2-1. The visitors pressed relentlessly from kick-off, hunting for any sign of defensive slack from Barça. Not only did Atlético’s backline keep their shape, but they also countered with real intent. Their breakthrough came after a sharp attack down the wing led to a scramble in the box, which they expertly tucked away. Barcelona responded quickly through a trademark attacking move, but Atlético’s midfield kept their composure—dictating play in those high-pressure minutes that define battles at the top of the table.

It wasn’t just defense that won this one, though. The whole Atlético squad put in the hard graft, soaking up pressure and then surging forward. The late winner sent their bench into wild celebrations. This victory puts them two points clear at the summit, cranking up the pressure on the rest of the title contenders as the season barrels towards its second half.

While the bright lights shone on Athletic Club and Atlético, some equally big stories were unfolding further down the table.

• Villarreal absolutely steamrolled Leganes 5-2, powered by a stunning hat-trick from Thierno Barry. Barry looked unstoppable, ghosting into the box and finishing with style every single time. This kind of clinical finishing can transform a team's season.
• Las Palmas grabbed a priceless 1-0 win over Espanyol—a team scrapping for points at the bottom. That one goal didn't just decide the match; it gave Las Palmas a bit more breathing room above the drop zone. Every point looks huge in the relegation dogfight.

This round made one thing brutally clear: There’s no easing up in La Liga. The stakes, whether for glory or survival, are growing with every kickoff, and the pressure is showing on every blade of grass.