Five talking points from the La Liga game week 19

Barcelona have been crowned winter champions in La Liga after closing the first 19 rounds as the table toppers—but does that mean they beat Atletico Madrid?

The winter wooden spoon, so to speak, has gone to Real Betis, while the winter Pichichi would be awarded to Cristiano Ronaldo ahead of Diego Costa.

You win nothing in January though, you know that.

Here are the talking points from the Spanish football weekend:

1. Defences on top at the top

Both Barcelona and Atletico defended well

If you watched the Spanish Supercopa earlier this season you won’t have been surprised to Atletico Madrid and Barcelona fight out a 0-0 draw at the Vicente Calderon on Saturday night.

Diego Simeone, who once again pointed out the “€400 million difference” between the sides after the game, has built a team known for resilience and strength in defence, so it was anticipated that his back five could keep out Barca’s collection of world class forwards.

Left-back Filipe Luis was the pick of the bunch. The Brazilian completed all six of his tackles and all three of his clearances as his star continues to rise.

Tata Martino threw on Lionel Messi and Neymar in the second half, but it was Gerard Pique who stood out for the visitors.

The defender returned to his best by completing five of his six tackles, making seven clearances and winning 50 percent of his aerial duels in a result which, in all probability, pleased all three of Spain’s title chasers.