Fermin Lopez reached 10 goals for the season in his breakthrough campaign on a night Barcelona struggled but eventually overcame their already-relegated opponents

Xavi's rejigged Barcelona side thrashed Getafe 4-0 on Saturday to climb to second in La Liga with recalled duo Joao Felix and Raphinha getting on the scoresheet.

Xavi Hernandez's side ended 2023 with a win thanks to Sergi Roberto's double and a first-half goal from Raphinha

La Liga leaders Barcelona tumbled to an embarrassing 1-0 defeat at Almeria on Sunday, failing to capitalise on Real Madrid's derby draw with Atletico to extend their advantage

Atletico Madrid dropped two more points in an increasingly frustrating campaign with a 1-1 draw at Almeria on Sunday in La Liga

David Alaba came on as a second half substitute and curled a free-kick in off the upright, which was his first touch after coming on.

David Alaba scored with a stunning free-kick immediately after coming on as a substitute as reigning champions Real Madrid came from behind to beat Almeria 2-1 in their opening game of the season in La Liga

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti on Saturday said he was surprised that German midfielder Toni Kroos did not feature on the list of 30 finalists for the Ballon d'Or

Despite looking far from their fluent best without the World Player of the Year, Barca doubled their advantage when Adriano prodded home Cesc Fabregas' cross early in the second-half.

At the bottom, Racing Santander were relegated for the second consecutive season as despite their 3-0 win over Hercules, Murcia's 1-0 victory against Las Palmas was enough to secure their survival.

Barcelona midfielder Sergio Busquets has said he is prepared to play in central defence if needed as Barca look to move one step closer to the Liga title with a win at Real Zaragoza on Sunday.

After failing to threaten Levante's goal through 91 minutes, Aranda collected Leo Franco's long goal kick before lifting a delicate chip shot over goalkeeper Kaylor Navas to snatch the late victory on Thursday. The 32-year-old Aranda played for Levante last season.

Celta, Real Zaragoza and Mallorca have advanced into the round of 16 in Spain's Copa del Rey.

Cometh the Euro ...cometh the man could well be Portuguese striker Helder Postiga's sporting epitaph.

Former Argentina defender Gabriel Milito has announced his decision to retire at the end of the current season.

Lionel Messi became the first player in almost 40 years to score 60 goals in a single European top-flight season after a brace helped Barcelona come from behind to beat 10-man Zaragoza 4-1 on Saturday.

Barcelona will be without defender Gerard Pique for Saturday's Spanish league match at Zaragoza due to a leg injury.

Real Madrid kept their three-point cushion at the top on Saturday with a 3-2 win over Valencia in a stormy encounter at the Mestalla.