Celta hits rock bottom and Villarreal shows no progress: the weekend's biggest disappointments

La Pizarra grades the weekend's La Liga performances: Celta and Villarreal earn failing marks for poor defensive and attacking displays, while Unai Simón and Marc Bartra shine.

La Pizarra, the weekly La Liga ratings show, assessed the weekend's performances across Spain's top division. Celta received the lowest grade for a collapse in their previously reliable defensive system, playing timidly in attack against Rayo Vallecano and Camello's threat. The club has now gone the longest without scoring in La Liga and draws most frequently.

Villarreal earned a '1' for failing to evolve under Íñigo Pérez, playing predictably against Espanyol and unable to control the tempo. Manager Pérez acknowledged the issue: "When we've gone all out we've been burned, and when we've tried to control risks it hasn't worked either."

Racing Cantabria struggled against Real Madrid, with the absence of Gustavo Puerta and Peio Canales creating a midfield weakness. Levante's striker wasted two clear chances against Atlético Madrid, scoring just twice in 12 months. Valencia's second-half performance dipped after dominating the first period.

Positive standouts included Marc Bartra's exceptional form for Betis—four goals and crucial defensive contributions—and Sergio García's emotional Espanyol debut, fielding academy players. Atlético Madrid won again, with Simeone reaching 344 victories to equal Luis Aragonés' record.