The 31st matchweek of the 2025-26 La Liga season, also referred to as retro weekend, delivered a thrilling array of drama and excitement in Spain’s top football division. Here’s Football España’s summary of the matches that have transpired thus far, leading up to Monday’s encounter between Levante and Getafe.
Alaves Stun Real Sociedad in Late Basque Derby Equalizer
Real Sociedad 3-3 Alaves
In a classic La Liga showdown in Donostia-San Sebastian on Saturday, Real Sociedad and Alaves played out an exhilarating six-goal match. The visitors took the lead twice in the opening stages with goals from Duje Caleta-Car (own goal) and Ibrahim Diabate. However, the hosts responded promptly each time, courtesy of Luka Sucic and an own goal from Antonio Sivera. Orri Oskarsson put La Real ahead in the 60th minute, but following a late red card for Sergio Gomez, Lucas Boye equalized deep into stoppage time, ensuring a dramatic finish.
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Elche Secures Vital Win in Relegation Battle
Elche 1-0 Valencia
Elche celebrated only their second victory of 2026 with a narrow win over Valencia. Although the visitors created several significant chances, they were punished when Lucas Cepeda scored the decisive goal in the 73rd minute. This result temporarily lifted Elche out of the relegation zone, yet they found themselves back in danger by the weekend’s end, as their relegation rivals recorded important victories.
Sevilla Claims First Win Under Luis Garcia Plaza
Sevilla 2-1 Atletico Madrid
In a crucial encounter, Sevilla seized an opportunity to secure their first three points under new coach Luis Garcia Plaza by defeating a reshuffled Atletico Madrid side at the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan. Akor Adams opened the scoring from the penalty spot, and after Javier Bonar equalized for Atletico, Nemanja Gudelj netted the winner in stoppage time.
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Real Betis Struggles Continue with Draw at El Sadar
Osasuna 1-1 Real Betis
Real Betis found themselves without a win in their opening seven La Liga matches after being held by Osasuna. The visitors started strong with a goal from Ez Abde, but Ante Budimir leveled the score with a 40th-minute penalty, resulting in a shared point in Pamplona.
Mallorca Dominates Rayo Vallecano at Son Moix
Mallorca 3-0 Rayo Vallecano
Mallorca, one of the teams fighting to avoid relegation, enjoyed a convincing victory over Rayo Vallecano. Vedat Muriqi’s first-half double set the tone, and substitute Jan Virgili solidified their win with a goal shortly after the hour mark.
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Real Oviedo Keeps Survival Hopes Alive with Impressive Win
Celta Vigo 0-3 Real Oviedo
The standout result of the weekend emerged from Balaidos, where Real Oviedo achieved a sensational victory over Celta Vigo. The home side, resting several key players in anticipation of their Europa League match, suffered the consequences as Alberto Reina and Federico Vinas (two goals) secured a decisive win for Oviedo, closing the gap on safety to just six goals.
Villarreal Extends Lead in 3rd Place with Victory at San Mames
Athletic Club 1-2 Villarreal
Villarreal moved four points clear of 4th-placed Atletico following a solid performance in Bilbao. Goals from Sergi Cardona and Alfon Gonzalez gave the visitors a comfortable two-goal cushion at halftime, and although Gorka Guruzeta scored late for Athletic Club, it wasn’t enough to change the outcome.