MADRID, April 22 -- FC Barcelona took another step towards this season's league title as they beat Real Sociedad 2-1 on Saturday, while the battle to avoid relegation became clearer. Here's what we learned this weekend in Spain.
1. Coutinho with a foot out the Camp Nou exit door?
Philippe Coutinho scored a fantastic third goal to help Barca ensure their place in the semifinals of the Champions League last week, and then undid his good work with a gesture to the fans in the Camp Nou, holding his hands to his ears as if to say "you aren't criticizing me now."
That gesture clearly went down badly as his entry as a second half substitute against Real Sociedad on Saturday was greeted with boos and whistles from a large section of the crowd.
The Brazilian has disappointed in his second season at the Camp Nou and has at times looked like a one-trick pony, cutting in from the left and shooting with his right foot.
He is too lightweight to play in a three-man midfield and Ousmane Dembele, who has improved this season, offers more pace going forward. If his relationship with the fans is now breaking down, that could be another reason for Barca to look to sell him this summer.
2. Big week ahead in the fight for fourth place
Getafe's 3-0 win at home to Sevilla lifted them back into fourth place in the race for a place in next season's Champions League, but there is still a long way to go in that struggle.
This Thursday sees Getafe entertain Real Madrid in what promises to be a tough game, while Sevilla will fancy their chances of bouncing back with a win when they play second-from-bottom Rayo Vallecano.
Meanwhile, Valencia are also in the race for fourth, level on points with Sevilla and two behind Getafe, and their trip to play Atletico Madrid on Wednesday is vital to their hopes - and could also hand the title to Barcelona.
The race for a place in the Champions League still has a long way to run.
3. Quality finally shines through for Celta and Villarreal
They may not be totally safe from relegation, but the weekend wins for Celta Vigo and Villarreal have given both teams an important lift up the table and away from the relegation zone.
The return of Celta striker Iago Aspas has coincided with their recovery, with the Spain international scoring six goals in four games in which his side have taken ten points and Celta should now be safe.
Likewise, Villarreal have also hit form just when teams such as Girona, Levante and Valladolid are struggling for points and now have some breathing space. A team with players such as Santi Cazorla, Carlos Bacca, Karl Toko Ekambi and Gerard Moreno always looked too good to go down, but it has taken a long time for that quality to count.
4. Bad news for Rayo and Huesca
The game between second-bottom Rayo Vallecano and bottom side Huesca was never going to be for those of a nervous disposition and so it turned proved. Both teams looked to be scared of losing for 75 minutes in the Vallecas Stadium, until they both realized than anything other than a win would just about ensure their relegation.
A frantic last 15 minutes produced chances at both ends, but the final 0-0 draw leaves Rayo five points from safety and Huesca a further two behind.
With Rayo due to visit Sevilla and then entertain Real Madrid in their next two games, it looks as if neither will be able to climb the mountain of La Liga survival.