La Liga 18-19: Real Betis 1-4 Barcelona - 5 Talking Points

#1 Barcelona capitalise on Atletico's blip

Valverde is likely to retain the La Liga

Atletico Madrid are in second place in the table, and they were seven points behind Barcelona before this weekend. However, Diego Simeone's side slipped up as they lost 2-0 to Atheltic Bilbao. They conceded two late goals at the San Mames to give Barcelona a golden opportunity to extend their lead.

Barca grabbed that opportunity with both hands and the gap between the two sides is into double figures now. Third-placed Real Madrid are 12 points adrift, and Barcelona have a clear path to the La Liga crown. They still have to play Atletico, and the two will face off in April. But the current cushion is a healthy one, which means that Ernesto Valverde can afford to drop some points along the way.

Their comfortable situation in the league will come handy in the Champions League, as key players can be rested. For the time being, all signs point towards Barcelona retaining the league title.