Analysis: Four things we learned in Spain's matchday 16

MADRID, Dec. 15 (Xinhua) -- Real Madrid won 2-1 away to Alaves to probably keep Xabi Alonso in his job until the new year while FC Barcelona had to work hard to beat Osasuna. Here are four things we learned this weekend in Spain.

1. ALONSO SAVES HIS JOB FOR A MOMENT

Real Madrid's narrow 2-1 win away to a battling Alaves should keep Xabi Alonso in his job for the near future after talk that a draw or a defeat would lead to him being sacked.

However, it is likely to merely be a stay of execution for Alonso, because when a coach is as close to the brink as he is, it only needs one more setback to send him over.

If Alonso is to survive, he not only needs his side to beat Sevilla in the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium next weekend, but probably to win the Spanish Supercup at the start of 2026 - and to win the Supercup, his side will have to beat Atletico Madrid (who won 5-2 against Real Madrid earlier in the season) and probably an FC Barcelona side that has improved since its 'Clasico' defeat.

2. RAPHINHA AGAIN DECISIVE FOR BARCELONA

Raphinha's importance for FC Barcelona is a go-to theme throughout the season because it is true.

Once again, the Brazilian made the difference in Barcelona's hard-fought 2-0 victory at home to Osasuna, scoring both of the goals. His first came from outside of the penalty area after controlling Pedri's through ball, while the second was from close range as he scored from a narrow angle.

Barcelona had looked flat against a well-organized Osasuna and will be happy for the Christmas break to recharge tired legs.

3. FRANCISCO PAYS PRICE FOR SUMMER PLANNING AND INJURY MISFORTUNE

It's hard not to feel sorry for Sergio Francisco, who was sacked as Real Sociedad coach on Sunday in the wake of Friday's defeat to Girona.

Although the defeat leaves Real Sociedad in a delicate situation, Francisco didn't have any luck since replacing Imanol Alguacil in the summer.

The club sold Spain international Martin Zubimendi to Arsenal and was slow to sign replacements such as Carlos Soler and Goncalo Guedes, who needed time to adapt.

Then when Real Sociedad hit form, he lost Mikel Oyarzabal and Ander Barrenetxea to injury, limiting attacking options in recent defeats.

Francisco had been at Real Sociedad for many seasons and had led both the club's C and B teams to promotion and maybe deserved better.

4. LUIS CARRION LEAVES OVIEDO

Luis Carrion was never going to be a popular replacement for Veljko Paunovic at Oviedo as the club substituted the man who led it to promotion with one who rejected a new contract in 2024 to join Las Palmas.

In the end Carrion lasted just nine games as Oviedo's second goal of the campaign, one of which saw his side lose 4-2 to third tier Ourense in the Copa del Rey.

You could argue Carrion had made Oviedo harder to score against, but the four goals conceded to Sevilla on Sunday destroyed that argument and he was sacked hours later.

Valladolid coach Guillermo Almada could be Oviedo's third coach of the season, but given that Valladolid fans were calling for his sacking on Saturday after poor results, that isn't going to inspire confidence at his probable new destination. ■