Four things to look out for on Spain's matchday 23

MADRID, Feb. 12 (Xinhua) -- Matchday 23 of the Spanish Liga Santander saw FC Barcelona fail to score for the first time this season in the league, but it was business as usual for Atletico Madrid who closed the gap at the top of the table to seven points. Here are some things we learned this weekend in Spain.

1. Game on in title race?

Barca's falure to break down a well-organized Getafe on Sunday night allowed Atletico Madrid to move within seven points of the top of the table with another pragmatic win. That is certainly enough to imply that the title race still has a long way to go, however, Barca have one thing working to their advantage: their remaining games against Real and Atletico Madrid, as well as Valencia and Villarreal, are all at home, while Atletico Madrid have to visit the Bernabeu, the Camp Nou, as well as Sevilla and Villarreal.

Atletico's away record is very impressive, but Barca can count on home comforts in between now and the end of the season, and that could be a big factor.

2. Atletico: 1-0 and over

It is hard not to admire what Atletico Madrid are doing in the Liga Santander as they are the only side to have a chance of catching Barcelona in the race for the title.

Saturday's 1-0 win away to bottom-dwelling Malaga was the eighth time they have repeated that result in 23 matches this campaign.

However, although it is easy to admire their effectiveness, unless you are a fan it is not easy to love what they do.

In Malaga, Antoine Griezmann opened the scoring in the 40th second and Atletico held Malaga at bay with few problems, while at the same time failing to produce another shot on target until the final whistle. In short, it was effective, but far from pretty.

3. Real Madrid warm up for PSG

Wednesday sees the most important game of Real Madrid's season to date when they entertain Paris Saint Germain in the first leg of their Champions League tie. With no chance of winning the league and out of the Cup, Madrid's season hangs on them remaining alive in the competition they have won for the past two years.

As a dress rehearsal, Madrid's 5-2 thrashing of Real Sociedad could not have gone better, but Zinedine Zidane's side should be wary of overconfidence. Real Sociedad travelled to Madrid with the fourth worst defensive record in La Liga and in the first half they produced a series of defensive errors which contributed to Madrid's first four goals.

The win is an important boost of self-esteem for Madrid after dropping points to Levante a fortnight ago, but they should be wary of reading too much into a game that will be very different to Wednesday night.

4. All hail Abelardo

Alaves currently sit seven points away the relegation zone and although they are not safe from the drop yet, it would now be a surprise to see them relegated, whereas before Abelardo took over it needed a miracle to save them.

Since replacing Gianni de Biasi at the club, Abelardo has led them to six wins and a draw from 10 games in charge, taking 19 points from a possible 30 and he has done so by allowing the players to play in their natural positions.

Although they are willing to sit deep and soak up pressure, Alaves are quick on the break and all work for each other. In short, he has worked a footballing miracle. Enditem