It seemed virtually all over.
That’s what I told you little more than a fortnight ago.
All betting odds favoured Real Madrid and the football games that mattered centred on the chase for the spots below the La Liga leaders.
Yet, within a week the position has dramatically altered and we have a title race on our hands again.
Sports betting on this chase is suddenly hotting up!
And I’ve not even mentioned Luis Enrique yet!
Valencia 1-0 Leganes
After their morale-boosting win over Real a week ago, another victory for Valencia in the Mestalla.
A goal from on-loan Man City defender Eliaquim Mangala further eased relegation doubts.
The visitors, who are now back in the dogfight, didn’t even have a shot on target and finished with 10 men after the late dismissal of Alberto Marin.
Real Sociedad 2-2 Eibar
A thrilling Guipuzcoan derby.
Twice Sociedad led, twice Eibar came back, the final time with a last-gasp Pedro Leon leveller.
The only disappointment was the lack of common sense shown when marksman Juanmi was shown the first of two yellow cards for supporting a fallen comrade during his goal celebration.
Malaga 1-2 Real Betis
A comeback for Betis in the Andalusian showdown as they leapfrogged their opponents.
A Jonas Martin chip and a Tony Sanabria strike turned the match around.
Malaga are really struggling with just one win in 10 matches.
Barcelona 6-1 Sporting Gijon
This 6-1 drubbing of strugglers Gijon was only just finished when the main talking point arrived.
No, not Neymar’s first goal of the season at the Nou Camp – his other goals this campaign have all come away from home – but the post-match announcement that Luis Enrique would step down this summer.
As speculation as to why he’s going and who will replace him continues, at least the tension over his future has dissipated.
Osasuna 1-4 Villarreal
As long as your initials were RS you were guaranteed to end up on the winning side!
Roberto Soriano, Roberto Soldado (from the penalty spot) and Rafael Santos Borre (two) scored the goals against a disappointing Rojillos who never recovered from conceding an early goal.
While Villarreal continue their quest for a top four spot, rock bottom Osasuna looked doomed.
Celta Vigo 2-2 Espanyol
A mid-table share of the spoils from which both sides will take heart.
Although frustrated having led twice, Vigo avoided defeat after playing for an hour with 10 men.
Three goals in five minutes midway through the first half proved the most exciting spell of the encounter.
Granada 2-1 Alaves
How vital could this be.
A third win five games means Granada are now within a point of escaping the drop zone.
Copa del Rey finalists Alaves played their part in a closely fought contest but after three straight home wins, the Andalusians are dreaming of a great escape and optimism is abound in the Estadio Los Carmenes.
Real Madrid 3-3 Las Palmas
And for the first time in months, we have new leaders!
But for the second time in four days, what a comeback from Real, led by the best player on the planet.
After Gareth Bale lost his cool early in the second half, Las Palmas turned on the style and led 3-1.
Yet as long as Cristiano Ronaldo is on the pitch, you have a chance.
Two goals in the final three minutes secured a comeback against the odds, ensuring Las Palmas still haven’t won in the Bernabeu, even though it wasn’t enough to retain the leadership, although Zinedine Zidane’s side have a game in hand.
Deportivo La Coruna 1-1 Atletico Madrid
In truth, this was a result neither side really wanted.
Realistically, a decent point in Pepe Mel’s first match in charge of Deportivo and one which keeps them just outside the relegation zone.
More frustration for Atletico who remain fourth but well adrift of the top three, despite Antoine Griezmann’s second half leveller.
This match also saw Fernando Torres play his 100th game during his second spell at the club.
There was relief when it emerged his condition had stabilised after he lost consciousness late on following a clash of heads.
Sevilla 1-0 Athletic Bilbao
Sevilla are back in the title race, taking advantage of Madrid’s dropped points to see off spirited Bilbao and close the gap at the top.
A 14th minute goal from Vicente Iborra settled the final La Liga match of midweek.
There wasn’t much in it but Sevilla will care not a jot after Iborra’s second successive match winner sealed their ninth win in 11 league games.
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