Gareth Bale inspired Real Madrid to come from two goals down to win 3-2 at Rayo Vallecano in a testing workout ahead of the Champions League clash with Manchester City.

There were some, you know…

The ins and outs from all the Premier League clubs during the transfer window.

Unlike their Premier League counterparts, Spain-based players usually have their feet up around this time. But a shortened La Liga winter break this year means everything is speeding up and in places hurtling out of control.

Barcelona strengthened their position at the top of Champions League Group E as a brace from substitute Ivan Rakitic steered them to a comfortable 2-0 win at BATE Borisov.

Borussia Dortmund have not given up hope of convincing reported Manchester United target Ilkay Gundogan to extend his contract with them.

Borussia Dortmund have not given up hope of convincing reported Manchester United target Ilkay Gundogan to extend his contract with them.

While neither coach will admit it, both teams will be out for revenge when Atletico Madrid host Real Madrid in tonight’s Champions League quarter-final first leg at the Estadio Vicente Calderon.

Barcelona will do everything they can to keep Leo Messi at the Nou Camp but accept they may not be able to match a potential offer from a bigger-spending club.

Atletico Madrid remain third in La Liga after they drew 1-1 with fourth-placed Valencia at the Vicente Calderon last night. Koke put the home side ahead but Valencia equalised through Shkodran Mustafi.

The La Liga title race’s latest twist has seen Barcelona take over as leaders, amid growing concerns that Real Madrid’s galactico-heavy side are heading towards a big fall.

Ambiguous reactions in Spain to Real Betis fan chants, which caused dismay outside the country, have again shown how the idea of collective responsibility is missing at most La Liga clubs.

Euro round-up: Valencia ended Real Madrid’s winning streak two shy of the world record as they came from behind to win 2-1.

David Moyes’ Real Sociedad held on to record a narrow 1-0 victory over Barca as they returned to winning ways at a damp Anoeta.

Rayo Vallecano manager Paco Jemez was on the receiving end of a painful looking challenge on Saturday - from one of his own players.

Spanish football is proposing a stadium ban on all radical supporter groups, known as ultras, after violent clashes on Sunday led to the death of a Deportivo La Coruna fan.

While Real Madrid’s ‘BBC’ strikeforce of Gareth Bale, Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo were all on the scoresheet in Saturday’s 5-1 La Liga win over Rayo Vallecano, the man of the match at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu was Blancos midfielder Toni Kroos.

The first goals Barcelona conceded this season did not come until their eighth game, but even still they confirmed many pundits’ view of the team’s major weakness.

Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone has stayed tight-lipped on the subject of his eight-match ban, apart from saying he has “great respect” for the decision-makers in the Spanish game.

Striker Romelu Lukaku could be on his way back to Everton as he looks for a way out of Chelsea.

Napoli and Swansea are in talks over the transfer of Spanish striker Michu on a season-long loan.

As far as Real Madrid are concerned, there is no debate to be had – Alfredo Di Stefano was, quite simply, “the best footballer of all time”.

At his post-game press conference on Saturday night it seemed Gerardo Martino’s biggest problem ahead of Barcelona’s Champions League last 16 first leg at Manchester City is who to start.

Man City 2 Chelsea 0

It was foggy last Sunday lunchtime in suburban Madrid, but reporters at Getafe v Rayo Vallecano could still make out the well wrapped-up figure of Phil Neville sitting in the plusher seats directly in front of the press box.

When Diego Simeone took charge at Atletico Madrid, just over two years ago, the challenge he faced was huge.

Swansea striker Michu is set to be out for six weeks after undergoing ankle surgery, the club have confirmed.

Swansea have been dealt a blow after it was confirmed that Spanish forward Michu is likely to be sidelined for six weeks when he undergoes ankle surgery.

European round-up

Teething problems were always likely when La Liga’s big two began the season with new coaches, but even by La Liga standards Barcelona’s Gerardo Martino and Real Madrid’s Carlo Ancelotti have had eventful first 100 days in charge.

Sevilla will face Polish side Slask Wroclaw in the Europa League play-off round as they attempt to make another push for silverware.

Arsenal midfielder Santi Cazorla has quashed speculation that he is heading for the exit door at the Emirates stadium.

UEFA has confirmed that Malaga have had the second year of their European ban lifted but the Champions League quarter-finalists will still be barred from playing in continental competition next season should they qualify.

Spain coach Vicente Del Bosque has plenty to think about this week as he readies his previously all-conquering side for their crucial upcoming World Cup 2014 qualifiers against Finland in Gijon on Friday, and then France in Paris three days later.

SATURDAY

Barcelona striker David Villa has left hospital after undergoing treatment on kidney stones, the Primera Division leaders have confirmed.

Top scorer Michu has given Swansea a major boost by signing a new four-year contract at the Liberty Stadium.

Chelsea 0 Swansea 2

Swansea manager Michael Laudrup has made it clear there is "no way" Michu will be leaving the Liberty Stadium this month.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger admits the pressure is on for him sign the next Lionel Messi rather than another promising player in the January transfer window.