Atleti crowned Spain's 'Winter Champions'

Atlético Madrid took full advantage of Real Madrid and Barcelona playing the Spanish Supercopa this weekend to climb to the top of LaLiga at the halfway stage. Alvarez's second-half goal was enough for them to beat Osasuna 1-0 on Sunday as they extended their winning streak in all competitions to 14 matches.

That impressive run has included eight straight victories in LaLiga as they have hunted down Madrid and Barça. After 19 league games, Diego Simeone's side have lost just once and are one point clear of Madrid and six ahead of Barça -- who they trailed by 10 points at the start of November.

That has earned them the tag of "Winter Champions" -- given to the league leaders in Spain after the first round of fixtures have been completed -- and firmly cemented their title credentials. They have twice pipped Madrid and Barça to the title previously under Simeone, in 2014 and 2021, and look increasingly capable of doing so again this season.