After having just three wins in their last seven games, Real Madrid broke through in Week 29 with a huge victory. Real Madrid annihilated Granada, 9-1.

There's no doubt who the "La Liga Player of the Week" was this week. Cristiano Ronaldo scored an amazing five goals in the game to recapture his league lead in goals scored this season. Ronaldo scored his first three goals in an eight-minute span to give him a hat trick in the first half. Ronaldo now has 36 goals this season, more than 14 other clubs!

With that hat trick, Ronaldo now has 24 career La Liga hat tricks. He and Lionel Messi are tied for most hat tricks in La Liga history with 24 each. If you're keeping count at home, Ronaldo has now moved into eighth place on the all-time scoring list ahead of Pahiño for most career goals with 213. Messi has the most ever with 275.

With that win, Real Madrid improved their record to 22-1-6 with 67 points. The return of James Rodriguez couldn't come at a better time. Barcelona won't have an easy road to first place if Real Madrid can find their winning ways again. Real Madrid will play Rayo Vallecano next week.

Speaking of Barcelona, they barely squeaked by Celta Vigo, 1-0. This was a huge victory for Barcelona, especially considering the fact that it was on the road, and Celta Vigo did defeat Barcelona back in Week 10. Jérémy Mathieu, who scored against Real Madrid in the El Clasico, scored the only goal against Celta Vigo in this contest.

Once again, goalkeeper Claudio Bravo was perfect in net, not allowing a single goal. The Chilean net minder now has a league-leading 16 clean sheets, and he has allowed just 17 goals in his 29 starts. Barcelona is displaying one of the best defensive seasons in recent memory. Lionel Messi did not find the net for a second straight game, but he still has team-high 32 goals and a league-high 15 assists.

Not the most impressive victory, but a win is a win. Barcelona extended their winning streak to five games, and they have successfully won 11 of their last 12 matches. With just nine games left to play and a four-point advantage, Barcelona controls their own destiny for a 23rd Spanish League Championship.

Barcelona's next game will be against Almeria at home

We also have a very exciting race for third place currently going on. Atletico Madrid and Valencia are trading positions week by week for that third place spot. This week, Atletico Madrid took over third place because they defeated Cordoba, 2-0. Valencia tied (which felt like a loss) Villarreal, 0-0.

Atletico Madrid may be the defending champions, but they are struggling mightily on offense this season. Atletico Madrid has 32 less goals than Real Madrid and 26 goals less than Barcelona. Valencia is in the same boat. They, too, have failed to find the back of the net at a high rate this season, making this a two-team race for the championship.

La Liga Standings, Top 5 Teams

1. Barcelona: 23-2-4, 71 points

2. Real Madrid: 22-1-6, 67 points

3. Atletico Madrid: 19-5-5, 62 points

4. Valencia: 18-7-4, 61 points

5. Sevilla: 18-4-7, 58 points

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