MADRID, Jan. 22 (Xinhua) -- The second half of the Spanish Liga Santander kicked off at the weekend with several surprises as the Spanish season began its downhill sprint.
1. With Messi in form, the title is Barca's to lose
Atletico Madrid dropped points at home to Girona and Valencia lost away to Las Palmas, but Barcelona proved their Cup defeat to Espanyol last week was just a minor slip as they won 5-0 over Betis to extend their lead at the top of the league to 11 points.
The lead is even more daunting after Barcelona visited Valencia, Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid' s grounds in the first half of the season, and their remaining games against their closest rivals will all be in the Camp Nou.
Ernesto Valverde has had to contend with injuries, but once again Leo Messi produced an incredible display to lead Barca to what in the end was an easy victory on Sunday, and as long as he stays fit the title is very much Barca's to lose.
2. Bale recovery vital as Real Madrid rediscover scoring touch
Deportivo travelled to the Santiago Bernabeu on Sunday after losing on their last 10 visits to the ground and with the second worst defensive record in the league.
It was perhaps no surprise that Real Madrid rediscovered the form in front of goal that had been missing for much of the season. Gareth Bale, Nacho and Cristiano Ronaldo each scored twice in a 7-1 thrashing, but it was Bale who stood out as his pace and power were too much for Deportivo to handle.
Bale has been criticized unfairly by the Madrid press, mainly because he is so injury prone, but on Sunday he was applauded off, and if he stays fit, there is still life in this Real Madrid side.
3. Girona are here to stay
Girona may be newcomers to the Liga Santander, but they have now caused Atletico Madrid to drop four vital points in the title race.
Girona's 1-1 draw in the Wanda Metropolitan stadium typified their debut season so far: hard work, high pressure, solid defense and the courage to attack their rivals and with Portu's 74th minute equalizer it earned them their reward.
Pablo Machin has done a fine job with a squad of players with very little top flight experience, and the good news is that with 27 points already this season, they probably only need 4 wins at the most to ensure they are in the top-flight again next season.
4. Aberlado effect in Vitoria easy to see
Although Alaves were pegged back by two late goals at home to Leganes on Sunday, the effect of coach Aberlado Fernandez is clear to see. Before Aberlado's arrival, Alaves were a side struggling for identity and mired in an ultra-defensive style of football.
The former Sporting Gijon boss has allowed his attacking players a much freer role, allowing players such as Ibai Gomez, Alfonso Pedraza and Munir to be far more influential in their play. Rather than looking to defend with a nihl draw, Alaves now look to take the game to their rivals and have won 4 and drawn one of their last seven matches. Two months ago, the Basque side looked doomed to relegation, but now they have real hopes of survival.
