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Sports Mole's La Liga Team of the Week

Sports Mole's La Liga Team of the Week
© AP Photos
Sports Mole selects its 11 top performers in Spain following another enthralling week of action in La Liga.

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo were both back among the goals this weekend as Barcelona and Real Madrid recorded convincing wins in Spain's top division.

With no Friday match in week 23 of La Liga, the action began on Saturday in the early start between Real Mallorca and Osasuna. It was the away side that looked on course for the three points, but a late strike from Pedro Geromel secured a point for Mallorca.

Valencia also continued their solid run of form with a 1-0 win over Celta Vigo, but Malaga immediately regained fourth position with a close-fought 2-1 win over fellow European-chasers Levante. Granada eased their relegation fears with a comprehensive 3-0 win over basement outfit Deportivo La Coruna.

Ronaldo then struck three for Real Madrid as Jose Mourinho's side picked up a 4-1 win over Sevilla, but Barcelona went two better when they hit Getafe for six in Sunday's early start at Camp Nou.

Real Sociedad also continued their solid run of form with three points against struggling Real Zaragoza, while Espanyol moved into 13th courtesy of a thumping 4-0 win over the ever-inconsistent Athletic Bilbao.

Second-placed Atletico Madrid travelled to Rayo Vallecano in Sunday's final match, but they were beaten 2-1 as the home side moved into sixth spot in the table, just two points outside of the top four.

Here, Sports Mole selects its 11 top performers in Spain following another enthralling weekend of action in La Liga.

Willy Caballero (Malaga)
I do not think that there is any doubt that the Argentine has been the best goalkeeper in the league this season. He further demonstrated that point with a host of world-class saves in Malaga's crucial 2-1 win over Levante on Saturday. It was just about as good as he has been this season.

Adil Rami (Valencia)
There were some suggestions that the Frenchman's form had dipped somewhat in recent weeks, but he was back to his best as his side recorded a 1-0 win over Celta Vigo on Saturday. Valencia had to dig deep for large periods of the second half, with the experienced centre-back called upon to make a number of fine challenges.
Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid)
Madrid are a completely different team when the Spaniard plays. Not only did he skipper his side in the 4-1 win over Sevilla, he made a number of telling contributions in both defensive and attacking areas. He will be key as they bid for Champions League and Copa del Rey glory this season.
Hector Moreno (Espanyol)
Espanyol struggled in defence in the early stages of the season, but that has changed since Javier Aguirre took charge of the club. Moreno has played a role in the turnaround and was once more on top form in their 4-0 win over Athletic Bilbao on Sunday. He scored his side's opener, while he was a rock in the heart of their defence.

Isco (Malaga)
Considered as one of the best Spanish players in La Liga this season, Isco was at it again on Saturday as he scored twice in his side's 2-1 win over Levante. Aside from his goals, he also showed a wonderful composure and ability on the ball that defied his tender years.
Julio Baptista (Malaga)
It wasn't the most graceful of performances from the Brazilian on his return to the Malaga team, but he was highly effective. His physicality and pure willingness to work caused all sorts of problems to Levante in his side's 2-1 win. He was named skipper for the occasion and certainly did not disappoint.
Verdu (Espanyol)
The Spanish midfielder is out of contract in the summer and based on his performances in recent weeks, he will have a lot of options at the end of the season. He was sensational once more in Espanyol's 4-0 win over Athletic Bilbao on Sunday, scoring his side's fourth and controlling the tempo throughout the match.
Andres Iniesta (Barcelona)
Even Messi had to play second fiddle to Andres Iniesta in Barcelona's 6-1 win over Getafe on Sunday. The Spaniard created both of his side's opening two goals, before adding one of his own in the latter stages. He is surely the best midfielder in the world.

Lass Bangoura (Rayo Vallecano)
The 20-year-old has not always impressed this season, but when on form he is one of the most dangerous players in the league. He found that level against Atletico Madrid on Sunday when he scored the opener before laying on the second in their 2-1 win over their capital rivals.
Christian Stuani (Espanyol)
It wasn't the most delicate of performances from the powerful striker against Bilbao on Sunday, but it did not need to be. The 26-year-old acted as a battering ram for his side in their 4-0 win. He also got on the scoresheet with a goal just before the hour mark to cap an all-round solid display.
Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid)
There were some question marks as to whether the Portuguese should have started with Manchester United to come in the Champions League next week, but he showed his commitment to the cause with a wonderful all-round performance. Oh, and he also scored another hat-trick.

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Espanyol's Sergio Garcia celebrates his goal on December 16, 2012
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Sports Mole's La Liga Team of the Week
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Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
CReal Madrid34276174225287
2GironaGirona34235673423174
3Barcelona34227570432773
4Atletico MadridAtletico34214963392467
5Athletic Bilbao341710755332261
6Real Sociedad341412848351354
7Real BetisBetis34131384339452
8Valencia34138133739-247
9Villarreal34129135658-245
10Getafe341013114147-643
11AlavesAlaves34118153238-641
12Sevilla341011134546-141
13Osasuna34116173751-1439
14Las PalmasLas Palmas34107173043-1337
15Celta Vigo34810164052-1234
16Rayo Vallecano34713142743-1634
17Mallorca34614142740-1332
18CadizCadiz34414162349-2626
19Granada3449213664-2821
RAlmeria34211213367-3417


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