Four things we learned from Spain's matchday 16

MADRID, Dec. 18 (Xinhua) -- FC Barcelona and Atletico Madrid were the two sides to take advantage of Real Madrid's absence on matchday 16 in Spain's Liga Santander a week ahead of the 'Clasico' between Barca and Madrid.

Here are four things we learned from the weekend's games.

1. Don't forget Atletico in the title race.

Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde was asked about Real Madrid following his side's 4-0 win against Deportivo la Coruna on Saturday, but elegant as ever, Valverde commented that it is Atletico and not Real Madrid who are second in the table, just three points behind Barca.

At times it is hard to love Atletico's defensive football, but they have recovered from a dip in form, they remain unbeaten and in January they will have Spain internationals Vitolo and Diego Costa to add to their squad, making them far more potent in attack.

Valverde knows the truth: it would be very wrong to rule Atletico out of the title race.

2. Valencia need to greater squad depth.

Valencia's second consecutive away defeat saw them drop to 8 points behind Barcelona and just as their last two games (a defeat in Getafe and a hard-fought victory at home to Celta) highlighted a problem for coach Marcelino Garcia: when he has a full squad available Valencia can compete, but when they have players out they find life much harder.

Marcelino has said that he doesn't want a big squad and praises the work of Valencia's young players, such as Nacho Gil, but we are now at a time of the season when injuries and suspensions bite and that squad is starting to look short. If they are to maintain their title hopes while also competing in the Cup, it looks obvious that Valencia need to add to their squad in January.

3. Eibar turning things around.

Two months into the season Eibar were in the bottom 3 and looking like a real possibility for relegation. Five matches later and the team coached by Jose Luis Mendilibar are knocking on the door of a place in Europe after a stunning turnaround which seen them win four and draw one of their last five matches.

As Valencia discovered to their cost on Saturday, Eibar have recovered their traditional virtues of hard-work, organization and defensive strength. They pressure their rivals high up the field, force mistakes and then use the ball with great effect.

Many make the error of seeing Mendilibar's side a pure organization and strength, but they are more than that with wingers Takashi Inui and Ivi Alejo giving width, pace and skill. Alejo, signed from second division Alcorcon looks to be a real find.

4 Euro-Girona; more than a dream?

Girona's 1-0 win over Getafe on Sunday lunchtime momentarily lifted Pablo Machin's side into the top-six of the Liga Santander into a situation which would qualify them for Europe if it were at the end of the season.

Although it is unlikely Girona will finish in the top-six, it is testimony to the work coach Pablo Machin has done with the side he led to promotion last season. Girona are hard-working, well organized and have pace and courage in attack.

Sunday wasn't their best display of the season, but it showed that when they need to roll up their sleeves and get dirty, they are also willing to do that; in short, Machin has built a very complete side. Enditem