LaLiga Matchday 22 Roundup

Last Updated on February 3, 2026 2:42 pm by Erwin Noguera

LaLiga Matchday 22 lived up to expectations once again, proving why the title race is more alive than ever.

The battle for the top spot, tension-filled draws, and the competitive balance in every fixture defined a matchday that is beginning to shape the course of the season.

Vinícius Júnior’s return to scoring form—his first league goal since October 4, 2025—and Atlético Madrid’s draw, which means they have now dropped 19 points away from home, highlighted the round.

Meanwhile, in the match that closed the matchday, Mallorca secured a convincing 4–1 victory over Sevilla in a game in which they were clearly superior, especially in the second half. The Bermellón side set the tempo from the opening minutes and took full advantage of the Andalusian team’s defensive weaknesses with clinical efficiency.

At Gambyl Exchange, you can explore all the predictions for the LaLiga EA Sports, the final bets for this matchday, and the odds for each match.

LaLiga Matchday 22 Games

LaLiga Matchday 22: Elche vs. Barcelona

FC Barcelona secured a convincing 1-3 away victory over Elche. Hansi Flick’s side dominated possession and attacking play, recording 30 shots, although only three found the back of the net.

The win allowed Barcelona to retain top spot in the standings, maintaining a one-point lead over Real Madrid.

Lamine Yamal opened the scoring at the Martínez Valero Stadium after a perfectly weighted through ball from Dani Olmo. The young star attacked the space, rounded Iñaki Peña, and finished calmly to make it 0-1—his ninth LaLiga goal of the season.

In the 29th minute, just as Barcelona were pushing forward, Elche struck back unexpectedly. Álvaro Rodríguez broke free after a through pass and made no mistake in the one-on-one to level the score at 1–1. However, before halftime, Barcelona’s persistence paid off when Ferran Torres combined with Frenkie de Jong and, after dribbling past the goalkeeper, was left with a simple finish to restore the lead at 1-2.

In the second half, Marcus Rashford replaced Raphinha, who left the pitch with physical discomfort. The substitution paid off, as Rashford made it 1-3 after Lamine Yamal delivered a low cross, which, following a rebound, the English forward reacted quickest to score.

With this victory, Barcelona now sits on 55 points, one more than their eternal rivals, Real Madrid. Meanwhile, Elche is 13th with 24.

Result: Elche 1-3 Barcelona

LaLiga Matchday 22: Real Madrid vs. Rayo Vallecano

At the Santiago Bernabéu, Real Madrid earned a dramatic 2–1 victory over Rayo Vallecano, who finished the match with nine men in a heated and controversial encounter filled with cards. Vinícius Júnior opened the scoring early, ending a 13-match LaLiga goal drought.

Real Madrid dominated possession with 65% and produced 19 shots compared to Rayo’s eight, underlining their attacking superiority. However, Rayo responded after the break, and Jorge de Frutos briefly silenced the Bernabéu in the 48th minute with a powerful left-footed strike to equalize.

Rayo’s Pathé Ciss was sent off for a serious foul, reducing the visitors to ten men. Tensions escalated as goalkeeper Augusto Batalla was booked for time-wasting, followed by Ilias Akhomach for dissent. Earlier yellow cards had been shown to Gerard Gumbau, Pep Chavarría, Isi Palazón, and Óscar Valentín for dangerous play.

Vinícius Júnior was also booked for dissent. The controversy continued, and in the 98th minute, Rayo’s Pacha Espino received a yellow card for protesting after a penalty was awarded to the home side.

The match was decided deep into stoppage time when Kylian Mbappé converted a penalty in the 99th minute, sealing a crucial win that allowed Real Madrid to stay just one point behind Barcelona.

On the other hand, Rayo Vallecano is now in the red zone. They are 18° with 22 points, one less than Valencia and Getafe.

Result: Real Madrid 2–1 Rayo Vallecano

LaLiga Matchday 22: Levante vs. Atlético Madrid

Atlético de Madrid suffered another setback after being held to a goalless draw by Levante. Diego Simeone’s side showed defensive solidity but lacked attacking clarity, extending a run of tight results away from home.

The match was disrupted in the 24th minute when Alexander Sørloth and Matías Moreno collided head-on during an aerial challenge, forcing a lengthy stoppage. The Norwegian striker was stretchered off and taken to the hospital, while the Levante defender was also unable to continue.

Before the incident, Atlético had imposed themselves early and created danger with a Nico González header in the second minute, which was saved by Mathew Ryan.

Levante responded in the 30th minute with a low, angled shot from Kareem Tunde, the hosts’ clearest chance of the first half.

In the second half, Levante grew into the game and put Atlético under pressure on several occasions. Jan Oblak produced a spectacular save in the 76th minute to deny Adrián de la Fuente’s header from a set piece.

Atlético’s best chance came in the 69th minute, when Julián Álvarez’s close-range header was brilliantly tipped away by Ryan. The goalless draw keeps Simeone’s side close to the top, though with clear room for improvement if they want to challenge the leaders. They are third with 45 points, 10 fewer than Barcelona. Levante, on the other hand, is in a difficult situation as they are 19th in the standings with 18 points.

Result: Levante 0-0 Atlético Madrid

LaLiga Matchday 22: Osasuna 2–2 Villarreal

Villarreal earned an entertaining 2–2 draw away to Osasuna, consolidating their position in the European places. The ‘Submarino Amarillo’ had to come from behind to claim a valuable point, although they remain unable to build momentum after a series of narrow results.

Gerard Moreno gave Villarreal the lead in the 18th minute from the penalty spot after a very soft foul by Galán on Pepe, a decision that sparked debate on the pitch.

Osasuna turned the match around with two headers: Víctor Muñoz scored in the 20th minute, followed by Ante Budimir in the 47th. However, in the 70th minute, Moreno struck again to level the score at El Sadar, finishing a set-piece move with a precise effort inside the base of the far post.

The 2–2 draw felt disappointing for Osasuna, who were the better side overall and now sit 9th with 26 points. For Villarreal, they are in fourth with 42 points, but their margin with Betis is getting small.

Result: Osasuna 2–2 Villarreal