Real Madrid 11 points behind Barcelona

A fine game at the Camp Nou. Fierce, intense, lashed by rain and awash with passion. And with the milestone of 600 games for Messi as a Barcelona player, what a feat. He didn't get a goal, but produced plenty of moments of wizardry. The man to get the goals was Alcácer, who had a truly happy night. Sevilla were never out of the game and had the Camp Nou on the edge of their seats right to the end. Valverde even finished the game with a triple line of Paulinho, Busquets and Mascherano trying to shut things down at the back. In the end all three points stayed at the Camp Nou, meaning Real Madrid went to bed last night, and woke up this morning, 11 points behind Barça.

Zidane reacting calmly to Real Madrid's situation

And seven behind Valencia who are galloping along, Yesterday's 3-0 win over Leganés was their seventh consecutive win. The team has found their way and in LaLiga they have the advantage of not being in Europe, meaning they avoid the injuries and tiredness that affect the other sides at the top. Valencia are determined to take Atlético's place as the troublesome third side, and Simeone's team are struggling right now. Yesterday they bagged the points 'in extremis', with a hammer strike from Thomas, who is consolidating his position in the side. A victory to calm the nerves, and one which puts them provisionally three points ahead of Madrid. Faced with all of this, Zidane reacted calmly. Which is good. And it's not a fake calmness: his expression leaves no doubt.

Zidane expected to shake things up against Las Palmas

Maybe because this afternoon looks favourable for Real Madrid. Las Palmas are in a truly bad way. They're accumulating defeats and missing Jonathan Viera, their outstanding man. Vitolo will be there, but he's not produced anything much yet at the club. In light of everything, it's expected Zidane will shake up his starting line-up, even if only to change the mood. Seeing Ceballos and Asensio in the team will cheer up some of the angry followers. And if there are more changes, all the better. The regular starters aren't currently deserving of the privilege. Who we won't see is Bale, who isn't in the squad. So much for the cramp. As we say in Spanish, lies have short legs.