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La Liga Team of the Week: Cristiano Ronaldo, Di Maria, Ozil & Varane all in
Four footballers from Real Madrid's epic 5-0 win at Valencia on Sunday are included this week, while for the first time this season, no Barcelona players feature in the XI
The first round of matches in the second half of La Liga left some surprises, not least Barcelona's first defeat of the Primera Division campaign at Real Sociedad on Saturday.Tito Vilanova's team went down 3-2 at Anoeta after leading 2-1 but still boast a healthy lead in the domestic competition.
On Sunday, Atletico Madrid closed to within eight points of the Catalans with a 2-0 win over Levante, while Real produced perhaps their finest performance of the season to thrash Valencia 5-0 at Mestalla.
Elsewhere, Malaga and Rayo Vallecano slipped up, while Osasuna secured a valuable victory at home to Deportivo La Coruna, which left the Galicians at the foot of the table.
Here, Goal.com looks at the pick of the bunch in the 20th round of Liga matches.
In goal, Andres Fernandez was vital in helping Osasuna to an important three points in the 2-1 win at home to Deportivo.
At the back, youngster Manquillo produced an assured display for Atletico Madrid and looks a real option at full-back, while Raphael Varane excelled for Jose Mourinho's side in the 5-0 success at Valencia. For Valladolid, meanwhile, Marc Valiente was secure in an impressive performance and almost scored, too.
In midfield, Mesut Ozil was back close to his best in a Madrid masterclass, while Koke shone for Atletico and Oscar led Valladolid on their way to victory once again. Chori Castro scored twice against Barcelona in the upset of the weekend.
Further forward, Cristiano Ronaldo and Angel Di Maria destroyed Valencia with two goals each and an assist apiece, while Adrian was on target again at the Vicente Calderon.
| ANDRES |
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| OSASUNA |
| vs Deportivo (h) |
| Rating: |
| VARANE |
MANQUILLO | MARC VALIENTE |
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| REAL MADRID |
ATLETICO | VALLADOLID |
| vs Valencia (a) |
vs Levante (h) |
vs Zaragoza (h) |
| Rating: |
Rating: |
Rating: |
| OSCAR | OZIL | CHORI CASTRO | KOKE |
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| VALLADOLID |
REAL MADRID |
REAL SOCIEDAD |
ATLETICO |
| vs Zaragoza (h) |
vs Valencia (a) |
vs Barcelona (h) |
vs Levante (h) |
| Rating: |
Rating: |
Rating: |
Rating: |
| DI MARIA |
ADRIAN | RONALDO |
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| REAL MADRID |
ATLETICO | REAL MADRID |
| vs Valencia (a) |
vs Levante (h) |
vs Valencia (a) |
| Rating: |
Rating: |
Rating: |
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