Messi, Griezmann shine in Spain's matchday 26

Matchday 26 in the Liga Santander saw Real Madrid return to winning ways while Leo Messi once again gave another footballing masterclass at the past weekend.

1) Luis Enrique's announcement shouldn't have a negative effect on Barcelona.

Wednesday night saw Luis Enrique shock the footballing world when he announced he would not continue as coach of FC Barcelona next season. It was not the news itself, but the timing of the announcement with a third of the season remaining which caused the surprise and it was no surprise that there was interest to see how the Barca players; some of whom are rumored to be fed up with the coach, would respond against Celta Vigo.

Ninety minutes were enough to imply that Luis Enrique's announcement should not have too much effect as Leo Messi and company produced one of their best displays of the campaign to beat a good rival 5-0.

It may be too late for Barca to overturn their 4-0 deficit to Paris Saint Germain the Champions league, but if Barca continue along these lines they could well be on track for another league and cup double.

2) How vital is Ronaldo to Real Madrid?

Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane decided to rest Cristiano Ronaldo for his side's 4-1 win away to Eibar and give a chance to youngster Marcos Asensio.

He was rewarded by a hard-working display by the youngster and a return to winning ways to his side after a draw at home to Las Palmas.

Although Ronaldo's numbers can't be questioned and he has netted 18 league goals this season, the fact is that of the 12 games he has missed this season, Real Madrid have won 11 and drawn 1. All of their defeats have come when the Portuguese ace has been in the starting 11.

Of course Ronaldo will play in the big games, but given the numbers and the fact that his replacements, Asensio and Lucas Vazquez are more mobile and pressure their rivals higher up the field, the question of how vital Ronaldo actually is for Madrid to play well has to be raised.

3) Sporting look doomed

Sunday's game in the El Molinon Stadium between Sporting Gijon and Deportivo la Coruna was a six-point clash between two candidates for relegation with Deportivo la Coruna travelling across the north without an away win all season. In the end a Pedro Mosquera gave Deportivo all three points against a Sporting side that worked hard, but seem almost totally incapable of creating clear cut chances.

The defeat leaves Sporting with 17 points from 26 games with seven of those points coming in the first four matches of the season, but it is not just the lack of points which points to their almost certain relegation, it is their lack of football. They need a miracle to survive.

4) "Complete player" Griezmann is on fire

Antoine Griezmann celebrated his 100th appearance for Atletico Madrid in fine style on Sunday afternoon with a brace of goals to take his total to 12 for the season in the Liga Santander.

The French international may be lagging behind last season's goals tally in this campaign, but that should take nothing away from his value to the side, because Griezmann is about much more than goals. If you follow his movements during a game, you will be amazed at how he pops up in defense top help break up attacks, in midfield, defending space and at the amount of ground he covers.

In short he is a tremendously hard-working and complete player, no wonder Manchester United's Jose Mourinho is casting envious eyes in the direction of the Vicente Calderon.

source: Xinhua