MADRID, Dec. 2 (Xinhua) -- The 15th round of matches in La Liga saw Barcelona drop another three points, while Kylian Mbappe scored for Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid enjoyed an easy night in Valladolid. Here are some things we learned this weekend in Spain.

1. Barcelona losing control

It wasn't the absence of Lamine Yamal from the starting 11 that was the undoing of FC Barcelona at home to Las Palmas on Saturday. It was the constant gaps that Hansi Flick's side left in defense that cost it the game.

With Marc Casado suspended and Frenkie de Jong out of form and out of favor, Flick started with Gavi in central midfield and it didn't work out. Gavi is happier working higher up the pitch, and without discipline in the midfield holding role giving space to rivals, Barca's high midfield becomes vulnerable to balls behind the central defenders.

Las Palmas exploited that to perfection to ruin Barca's 125th birthday celebrations and with two defeats and a draw in its last three league games, doubts are starting to surface for Flick's side.

2. Much-needed goal for Mbappe

Mbappe has been under ever-increasing pressure at Real Madrid after a poor start to his career at the Spanish club culminated with a dreadful performance in Liverpool last week, with a penalty miss into the bargain.

The Frenchman was under the spotlight ahead of Sunday's 2-0 win at home to Getafe, and will be relieved after a trademark goal after cutting inside and placing a shot out of reach of Getafe goalkeeper David Soria.

He should have scored more in the second half, but missed two good chances to hit the target.

3. Atletico cruises and Pezzolano pays the price

Atletico Madrid enjoyed a comfortable 5-0 win away to Real Valladolid on Saturday to end a week which also saw it score six goals in its visit to the Czech Republic in the UEFA Champions League.

Everything worked out for Diego Simeone's side, who tore apart a Valladolid side that is rock bottom of the table with just nine points from 15 matches.

It was no surprise when Valladolid coach Paulo Pezzolano was sacked in the hours after the game, but the Uruguayan, who led the team to promotion last season, isn't the only man to blame for its position.

Valladolid failed to strengthen its squad after winning promotion, and is now trying to compete in the elite with a second-division squad.

4. Sancet the spearhead for Athletic Bilbao

Oihan Sancet came off the bench early in the second half at the Vallecas Stadium and scored the two goals that saw Athletic Bilbao turn a 1-0 deficit to Rayo Vallecano into a 2-1 win.

The midfielder has now scored seven goals this season and nearly all of those goals have been worth points.

Sancet is starting to show the maturity and consistency in his displays that fans have asked for, with that progress only halted by a couple of injuries this campaign.

If he can stay fit, the 24-year-old could fire his team into the Champions League. Enditem

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