Barca take big step towards title with Atletico win, Real lose in Mallorca

An entertaining first half sprang to life in the 39th minute when Giuliano Simeone put Atletico ahead with an assured finish after running onto a long ball from former FC Barcelona defender Clement Lenglet to beat goalkeeper Joan Garcia. Atletico's lead lasted just three minutes before Marcus Rashford made it 1-1 with a low shot after exchanging passes with Dani Olmo. Atletico was reduced to 10 men in first half injury time as Nico Gonzalez was sent off after bringing down Lamine Yamal on the edge of the Atletico penalty area. Barcelona controlled the ball in the second half, with Musso making two fine saves to deny Ferran Torres. Earlier in the day, Real Madrid was stunned by a 2-1 defeat away to Mallorca, who climbs out of the bottom three with the three points. Real Madrid coach Alvaro Arbeloa brought Kylian Mbappe into the starting 11, while Vinicius Jr began the game on the substitutes' bench after picking up a slight knock while on international duty. Both of Mallorca's goals came after poor defending from Real Madrid, with Manu Morlanes given plenty of space to control and fire home the opening goal in the 41st minute. Real Madrid put Mallorca under intense pressure in the second half and looked to have saved at least a point when Eder Militao, returning after five months out with a knee injury, powered in a stunning header. Mallorca hit back almost immediately, and Real Madrid's defense was missing again as a ball came in from the left and Vedat Muriqi was able to pick his spot in the 91st minute. Real Sociedad enjoyed a 2-0 win at home to relegation-threatened Levante with Jon Martin's first-half header and a tap-up from substitute Brais Mendez with around 10 minutes left to play. Real Sociedad suffered a setback in the second half when newly capped Spain international Ander Barrenetxea had to leave the pitch due to injury. Real Betis' poor recent form continues with a goalless home draw against Espanyol, who has still not won a game in 2026. On Friday night, Randy Nteka gave Rayo Vallecano a 1-0 win at home to Elche to boost Rayo's survival hopes, while leaving Elche deep in trouble with just one away win this season. Elche played for over half the match with 10 men after Pedro Bigas' first-half red card.