MADRID, March 6 (Xinhua) -- FC Barcelona failed to impress against Valencia but nevertheless extended their lead at the top of La Liga to nine points over Real Madrid on a good weekend for Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone. Here are some things we learned in Spain's Matchday 24.

1. Barca look flat without big four

Although Barcelona beat struggling Valencia 1-0 to open up a nine-point gap at the top of La Liga, they could easily have dropped points to a rival who were very unlucky not to have a late penalty claim given.

Barca were on the back foot for all of their 1-0 win against Real Madrid last Thursday and looked tired against Valencia.

Coach Xavi Hernandez is still without the injured Pedri, Robert Lewandowski and Ousmane Dembele, while Gavi was suspended and those four players, along with Ronald Araujo, are vital for Barca. Gavi will be back next weekend in Bilbao, but Araujo will miss out after his red card for bringing down Hugo Duro when the Valencia striker was through on goal.

2. Real Madrid slip away to Betis

Real Madrid were held to a 0-0 draw away to Real Betis in a game where a draw was probably a fair result, but where both teams had chances to score.

The game was faster and slicker than Barca's match in the Camp Nou, but Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti will be frustrated by his side's failure to hit the target for the second game in succession.

The Italian was able to rotate several key players after the 'Clasico', which is vital for a side that is still playing in three tournaments, and although nine points is a lot to make up, Real Madrid will look to next weekend's game at home to Espanyol and the subsequent visit to the Camp Nou as a chance to close the gap on Barca.

3. A great weekend for Atletico Madrid coach Simeone

Diego Simeone set a new club record as the man who has coached Atletico Madrid for the most games, taking charge for the 613th time. The Atletico players responded in style by thrashing Sevilla 6-1, with Antoine Griezmann outstanding and Memphis Depay and Alvaro Morata scoring two goals each.

Atletico seem to be coming good at the right time to ensure a top-four finish and they moved into third place ahead of Real Sociedad, who are going through a dip in form that has become a habit at this time of the campaign.

The San Sebastian side have taken just six points from the last 18, and with a return to the Europa League this week, an intense season looks to be taking its toll.

4. A heartfelt salute to the 'Man in Black'

Goalkeepers in La Liga and all over Spain this weekend made a heartfelt homage to one of the all-time great goalkeepers in the Spanish game. Former Athletic Bilbao goalkeeper Jose Angel Iribar played a club-record 614 times for Athletic over 18 years and made 49 appearances for Spain, and was famous for always playing in black.

To help celebrate his 80th birthday on March 1, keepers in La Liga and other divisions all played in black in a gesture of affection and respect for a footballing legend. Enditem

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