La Liga Table 2016 Week 23: Updated Standings Following Friday's Results
Malaga ripped through visitors Getafe in La Liga on Friday night, winning 3-0 after a devastating first-half display, as Juanpi starred for the hosts.
The victory edged Malaga toward the European spots in the top flight after a goal-shy season for the Andalusia club.
The home side, which upped its recent form to score three times before the break, comprehensively beat Getafe.
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The Spanish Primera Division crown appears destined to reside at the Camp Nou once again, as Barcelona attempt to open up a six-point advantage at the top of La Liga, with Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid trailing in their wake.
If Los Blancos and the Rojiblancos fall to shock defeats against Eibar and Granada this weekend, the Blaugrana can take a huge leap toward domestic glory, with a game in hand on their big rivals from the Spanish capital.
Barca travel to Levante on Sunday in search of their 17th league win of the season.
Here is a look at the updated La Liga schedule, results and standings:
| Friday, Feb. 5 | 7:30 p.m. | Malaga vs. Getafe | 3-0 |
| Saturday, Feb. 6 | 3 p.m. | Atletico Madrid vs. Eibar | TBD |
| Saturday, Feb. 6 | 5:15 p.m. | Rayo Vallecano vs. Las Palmas | TBD |
| Saturday, Feb. 6 | 7:30 p.m | Athletic Club vs. Villarreal | TBD |
| Saturday, Feb. 6 | 9:05 p.m. | Sporting Gijon vs. Deportivo La Coruna | TBD |
| Sunday, Feb. 7 | 11 a.m. | Levante vs. Barcelona | TBD |
| Sunday, Feb. 7 | 3 p.m. | Real Betis vs. Valencia | TBD |
| Sunday, Feb. 7 | 5:15 p.m. | Celta Vigo vs. Sevilla | TBD |
| Sunday, Feb. 7 | 7:30 p.m. | Granada vs. Real Madrid | TBD |
| Monday, Feb. 8 | 7:30 p.m. | Espanyol vs. Real Sociedad | TBD |
| 1 | Barcelona | 21 | 16 | 3 | 2 | 54 | 17 | +37 | 51 |
| 2 | Atletico Madrid | 22 | 15 | 3 | 4 | 31 | 10 | +21 | 48 |
| 3 | Real Madrid | 22 | 14 | 5 | 3 | 64 | 20 | +44 | 47 |
| 4 | Villarreal | 22 | 13 | 5 | 4 | 29 | 18 | +11 | 44 |
| 5 | Sevilla | 22 | 10 | 6 | 6 | 31 | 23 | +8 | 36 |
| 6 | Athletic Club | 22 | 10 | 4 | 8 | 33 | 30 | +3 | 34 |
| 7 | Celta Vigo | 22 | 10 | 4 | 8 | 33 | 35 | -2 | 34 |
| 8 | Eibar | 22 | 9 | 6 | 7 | 35 | 28 | +7 | 33 |
| 9 | Deportivo La Coruna | 22 | 6 | 12 | 4 | 29 | 25 | +3 | 30 |
| 10 | Malaga | 23 | 8 | 6 | 9 | 21 | 20 | 1 | 30 |
| 11 | Getafe | 23 | 7 | 5 | 11 | 26 | 35 | -9 | 26 |
| 12 | Valencia | 22 | 5 | 10 | 7 | 26 | 23 | +3 | 25 |
| 13 | Real Sociedad | 22 | 6 | 6 | 10 | 26 | 34 | -8 | 24 |
| 14 | Espanyol | 22 | 6 | 4 | 12 | 20 | 41 | -21 | 22 |
| 15 | Real Betis | 22 | 5 | 7 | 10 | 15 | 31 | -16 | 22 |
| 16 | Sporting Gijon | 21 | 6 | 3 | 12 | 23 | 35 | -12 | 21 |
| 17 | Las Palmas | 22 | 5 | 6 | 11 | 23 | 34 | -11 | 21 |
| 18 | Rayo Vallecano | 22 | 5 | 5 | 12 | 27 | 46 | -19 | 20 |
| 19 | Granada | 22 | 5 | 5 | 12 | 24 | 44 | -20 | 20 |
| 20 | Levante | 22 | 4 | 5 | 13 | 21 | 41 | -20 | 17 |
Friday Recap
Malaga showed no mercy against Getafe on Friday, deconstructing their visitors in a bludgeoning first half at La Rosaleda.
The hosts scored three times before the official brought the opening 45 minutes to a close, as the local Madrid team looked bruised and beaten.
Juanpi opened the scoring after only nine minutes, as the Venezuelan prodigy danced through the opposition defence.
The attacking midfielder ghosted into the box with the ball attached to his foot, and he calmly slotted away with a mature finish.
Opta Jose highlighted the youngster's strike:
Christian Atsu made it two after the 23rd minute, with Malaga in full flight and scoring a brilliant team goal.
Charles grabbed the assist as he squared the ball to the Ghana international, making his first start since his loan switch from Chelsea.
The winger made sure of his finish from close range, flicking his effort into the corner of the net.
ESPN's Dermot Corrigan was impressed by Malaga's play and commented on Atsu's move to La Rosaleda:
"2-0 Malaga. Super from Juanpi again, Charles tees up Atsu, who scores first goal since loan move from Chelsea last month.
— Dermot Corrigan (@dermotmcorrigan) February 5, 2016"
Getafe heads dropped as Los Boquerones made it 3-0—two minutes before the break—as Charles finished with aplomb.
The classy Brazilian veteran met a cross by Duje Cop at the far post, and he awkwardly arched his body to deflect the ball beyond goalkeeper Guaita.
Getafe's ball retention improved in the second half as they desperately tried to inch their way back into the contest, but Malaga seemed content by their early work in the game, always playing within their own capabilities.
The hosts had completed the job early, and the final 20 minutes of the contest petered out into a dull affair.
The victory temporarily takes Malaga within four points of the top six, and if they can sustain this new form, they will certainly finish higher than their current position.
