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MADRID — Barcelona recovered top spot in Spanish La Liga just one week after being knocked off their perch for the first time in 59 league games last weekend as they took advantage of Atletico Madrid’s shock defeat to Almeria.Victories for Barca away to Sevilla and Real Madrid at home to Villarreal mean both sides are now level with Atletico in a three-way tie at the top on 57 points.

The Catalans lead thanks to a superior goal difference and will fancy themselves to rack up a few goals when relegation-threatened Rayo Vallecano visit the Camp Nou today.

Rayo’s visit comes in the midst of a big week for Barca as they sealed their place in the Copa del Rey final against Real Sociedad on Wednesday and will travel to face Manchester City in the first leg of their Champions League last 16 tie on Tuesday.

Fixtures

Today: Atletico Madrid v Valladolid (5pm), Levante v Almeria (7pm), Barcelona v Rayo Vallecano (9pm), Villarreal v Celta Vigo (11pm)
Tomorrow: Granada v Real Betis (1pm), Getafe v Real Madrid (6pm), Athletic Bilbao v Espanyol (8pm), Sevilla v Valencia (10pm)
Monday: Malaga v Real Sociedad (11pm) –               AFP.