Talking points from the weekend in LaLiga

Real Sociedad is on a roll, while Rayo Vallecano continues to defy the odds.

Here are some of the key takeaways from LaLiga’s weekend action:
There is a genuine opportunity for someone to upset the odds in the title battle this season, with Barcelona and Real Madrid obviously fading forces and reigning champions Atletico Madrid not firing on all cylinders.

Few expected Real Sociedad to win, but the Basque club went three points clear at the top of LaLiga with a late 1-0 win over Mallorca.

They’ve played one more game than their championship opponents, but they’re the league’s best club, and coach Imanol Alguacil has constructed an exciting young team capable of challenging the established elite.

VILLARREAL IS FINALLY DEFEATED.

Villarreal were the league’s only undefeated team going into this weekend’s play, despite their predilection for draws, which kept them in mid-table.

On Sunday, they appeared to be heading for another stalemate until Osasuna’s Ezequiel Avila scored an 87th-minute winner to ensure that no team in Spain’s top division is unbeaten this season.

The Argentine’s goal put Navarre in fifth place, level on points with Real, Atletico Madrid, and Sevilla.

RAYO CONTINUES TO SURPRISE THE BOOKIES.

Rayo Vallecano, Madrid’s third and lesser-known team, is just a point behind Real and Atletico.

They’ve long been overshadowed by their famed neighbors, and with supporters complaining about a paucity of stuff in club shops and no internet ticket sales, their obscurity is understandable.

Regardless of their off-field grievances, supporters should have few complaints about what is going on on it. With a win over Elche at the weekend, the promoted side is now sixth in the table, one place ahead of Barcelona.

While few anticipate it to last, fans will take pleasure in it while it does.