Four things we learned from Spain's matchday 25

MADRID, Feb. 26 (Xinhua) -- Spain's La Liga is off to a hectic start with two more rounds of matches in the next seven days.

Midweek fixtures are always a strain on sides at this busy stage of the season, but here are some things we learned over the weekend in Spain.

1. Messi still reigns supreme

It isn't the first time we have highlighted Lionel Messi's importance to FC Barçelona but the Argentinean's brilliance is sometimes taken for granted given that he produces it on such a regular basis.

Messi was quite simply magnificent in Barça's 6-1 win over Girona and anyone who doubts that, should take a look at the first of the two goals he scored, which came after a run which turned the Girona defense inside out twice.

He also set up Suarez for Barca's opening goal and scored a cheeky free kick, which he hit along the floor while the defensive wall jumped expecting a shot into the top corner.

In short he was unstoppable and we shouldn't forget that on Tuesday he also scored Barça's goal in their 1-1 Champions League draw away to Chelsea.

2. The 'BBC' still has something to say

The past month has seen criticism of Karim Benzema, Gareth Bale, Cristiano Ronaldo (BBC) at Real Madrid. There were suggestions after Madrid's 3-1 win at home to Paris Saint Germain that players such as Marco Asensio, Isco and Lucas Vazquez all deserved to start ahead of Benzema and Bale, who some papers predict will be sold over the summer.

Saturday's 4-0 win at home to Alaves saw the 'BBC' vindicate themselves with Benzema providing two assists and scoring a penalty. Bale also scored and Ronaldo hit the back of the net twice.

It's true that Vazquez also started and also produced an impressive display with a hand in three of the goals, but one thing that is sure is that Madrid fans can still have faith in the BBC.

3. Asenjo: courage gets its reward

Villarreal goalkeeper Sergio Asenjo was one of the heroes of the weekend as he produced two penalty saves in the same game to give his side a 1-0 win at home to Getafe on Sunday.

Asenjo has had to battle all of the way through his career and has endured four separate knee operations which would almost certainly have convinced others to hang up their boots.

Asenjo began the season recovering from the last of those operations, but through hard work he has not only returned to full fitness, but is first choice for Villarreal once again and still has a chance of going to the World Cup with Spain.

4. Respect for Griezmann

Antoine Griezmann has been in the firing line this season after flirting with a move from Atletico Madrid over the summer. He started the campaign struggling for goals and even had to listen to whistles from the fans in the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium.

However, he has been vital in Atletico's battle to beat Barcelona to the title with 11 goals in 22 appearances, including his hat-trick away to Sevilla on Sunday night. Add five assists, a blossoming partnership with Diego Costa and an incredible workrate and the case for Griezmann getting the respect he deserves is very strong. Enditem