Osasuna, Real Villadolid and Real Betis relegated

Osasuna clamps down Atletico Madrid 3-0

The Guardian

Alvaro Cejudo scored the opening goal for Osasuna

Atlético Madrid's La Liga title challenge faltered when they slumped to a shock 3-0 defeat at Osasuna on Sunday that left Real Madrid three points clear at the top.

Barcelona and Real were held to draws at Osasuna's El Sadar stadium earlier in the season and Atlético fell behind in the sixth minute when Álvaro Cejudo arrived unmarked at the back post from a corner to volley into the net.

An error by the Atlético full-back Juanfran allowed Emiliano Armenteros space to score with a long-range drive in the 21st minute and Roberto Torres nodded in the third three minutes before the break. It was the first time Atlético had conceded three goals in the first half since Diego Simeone took over as coach at the end of 2011.

The Argentinian rested several regulars before bringing on the attacking midfielders Koke, Arda Turan and Raúl Garcia in the second half. Diego Costa, who has 21 goals in La Liga this season, toiled up front but a typically gritty defensive performance from Osasuna kept him at bay as the Pamplonese team climbed to 12th on 29 points.

Barcelona, Real and Atlético were level on 60 points before the latest round of matches but after Real cruised to a 3-0 win over Elche on Saturday with the help of a Gareth Bale wonder strike, Barça werebeaten 3-1 at Real Sociedad as Gerardo Martino also saw a decision to rest key players backfire.

Real, who are now unbeaten in 26 matches in all competitions, visit Atlético next Sunday.

Villareal claims top spot in La Liga 2013-2014

It's developing into a Cinderella story.

Villareal, the team relegated a year ago, found itself on top of La Liga by dominating Osasuna 3-0 in El Sadar.  The win is its third as in many starts, previously beating UD Almeria and Villadolid.   The goals came in 22nd minute as Jeremy Perbet scored from a cross.   It did not take long for the Yellow Submarine to score the second goal as it came in the 30th minute as Bruno Soriano got tangled in the middle of the penalty box only for Javier Aquino to pick up and send home the ball to an empty net. 

Villareal ended the night with a brilliant finish.  Javier Aquino broke away at midfield then pass it on to Giovanni di Santos who delivered a cross to a surging Ichechukwu Uche for a smooth tap in. 

Villareal is now on top of the La Liga standing with 9 points, 3 points ahead of defending champion Barcelona.  That could change however if Barcelona can score a victory against Valencia on September 1.  Villareal will find its real test as it will tangle against heavyweight Real Madrid on September 14 on its home ground at El Madrigal.