Move over Real Madrid, Barcelona has recaptured the top spot.

For the first time since Week 10, someone else other than Real Madrid is in first place in the Spanish League standings. A devastating loss to Athletic Bilbao combined with Barcelona's 6-1 beat down against Rayo Vallecano ultimately made the change atop the standings.

In Barcelona's win over Rayo Vallecano, Lionel Messi scored three goals while Luis Suarez found the back of the net twice. That was Messi's 24th career La Liga hat trick, the most ever breaking Cristiano Ronaldo's record.

Lionel Messi has been on an incredible scoring streak in 2015. Messi has recorded 15 goals in the 10 games played during the new calendar year and now has 30 on the season. He is now tied with Cristiano Ronaldo for the most goals in the league, and has a league-high 14 assists. Goalkeeper Claudio Bravo continues his great season having allowed just 16 goals in 26 games.

Barcelona is now 20-2-4 giving them 62 points. Barcelona has won eight of their last nine La Liga games, and they will take on Eibar in their next game on the road. Barcelona previously defeated Eibar in Week 8, 3-0.

For Real Madrid, it was a terrible week. They lost their first place lead, and Ronaldo lost his hat-trick record as well his sole possession for first place in goals scored. Real Madrid lost an unexpected game to eigth place Athletic Bilbao, 1-0. Goalkeeper Iker Casillas got the job done in net allowing just one goal, but the high-powered Real Madrid offense couldn't score a single goal against Athletic Bilbao.

To make matters worse, Colombian superstar James Rodriguez is still out with a foot injury, and he is "not expected" to play in the much anticipated El Clasico game on March 22 in Week 28. That game will be played at Barcelona.

Real Madrid has now failed to win each of their last two games, including three of their last five matches. Real Madrid will take on Levante in their next game at home. With that loss, Real Madrid is now 20-1-5 with 61 points. Real Madrid has scored just five goals in the last five games. If the Real Madrid offense can't get their act together, they may let a 33rd Spanish League Championship slip away.

As for Valencia, it appears as if the miracle run for a seventh Spanish League Championship may be over. Valencia tied against the defending champions Atletico Madrid, 1-1. Valencia previously had the longest win streak in the entire league before their draw in Week 26. Valencia is now 16-6-4 with 54 points. Atletico Madrid has 55 points, good enough for third place.

As expected before the season began, Real Madrid and Barcelona stand at the top of the standings. The two clubs will meet up in a huge game in less than two weeks from today in a match that could very well determine who wins the 2015 Spanish League Championship.

La Liga Week 26 Standings, Top 5 Teams

1. Barcelona: 20-2-4, 62 points
2. Real Madrid: 20-1-5, 61 points
3. Atletico Madrid: 17-4-5, 55 points
4. Valencia: 16-6-4: 54 points
5. Sevilla: 15-4-7, 49 points

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