Analysis: Four things we learned in Spain's Matchday 26

MADRID, Feb. 26 (Xinhua) -- Real Madrid and FC Barcelona both won, with Barca impressing at home to Getafe and Real Madrid taking three points with more than a hint of controversy. Here are some things we learned this weekend in Spain.

1. Sevilla makes it hard for Madrid until offside controversy

Real Madrid struggled to beat Sevilla 1-0 on the day that Sergio Ramos returned to the Santiago Bernabeu and gave fans a reminder that he was one of the best defenders the club has ever had.

Ramos helped to organize a well-positioned Sevilla, who played a strict 5-3-2 formation that limited Madrid's options until Luka Modric's 81st minute goal with a shot from outside of the area.

Modric's strike came after the ball had been only half-cleared, although Sevilla complained the original ball into their area had been aimed at Antonio Rudiger, who was in a clear offside position.

2. Barca produces its best display of the season

Getafe is usually one of the toughest sides to break down in La Liga, but Barcelona put four past them with an impressive display on Saturday. Raphinha, Pedri and Frenkie de Jong all found space and their pace and movement were impressive as their side looked, for once, like the Barcelona of old, despite having little recovery time after their midweek Champions League game.

While it's certainly true Getafe was below par, Barca looks to be gaining confidence and will be hopeful they can continue their form in Bilbao next week against a rival that has a midweek Cup game and will be without several key players though suspension and injury.

3. Copa del Rey again has an impact

The return leg of the two Copa del Rey semifinals this week clearly had an effect on the four sides involved, with neither Mallorca, Real Sociedad, Atletico Madrid or Athletic Club Bilbao winning at the weekend.

Real Sociedad and Athletic Club were well below their best and suffered defeats, while Mallorca ground out a point away to Alaves and Atletico drew away to bottom of the table Almeria.

None of the four sides will be happy at their results, but if they can book a place in the final, they will consider it worthwhile, although once again it shows how much of a strain the intense Cup schedule places on clubs.

4. Darwin saves Cadiz from the abyss

Darwin Machis scored arguably the most important goal of his career in the 99th minute of Cadiz's 2-2 draw at home to Celta Vigo.

Cadiz was trailing 2-1 when he scored an equalizing goal following a short corner to save a point for his side, who is still searching for its first win since September 1st.

Although a draw may seem small consolation, the draw stopped Celta pulling six points clear of Cadiz and opening up a gap ahead of the bottom three. Defeat for Cadiz would probably have put them on the slide to relegation.

It will still be hard for Cadiz to stay up, but Machis' goal means they still have a chance. ■