Updated La Liga standings: Barca get closer to third place as Madrid, Atleti, Sociedad slip

Matchday 18 is almost over and it has brought good news to Barcelona.

First of all, the Catalans defeated Elche 3-2. Secondly, some of their rivals slipped.

Real Sociedad surprisingly lost to Villarreal at home (3-1) while Real Betis suffered a defeat in Bilbao against Athletic (3-2).

Rayo Vallecano climbed to fourth place as they notched a 2-0 win against Alaves.

Sevilla beat Atletico Madrid (2-1) while Real Madrid were held to a 0-0 draw by Cadiz.

Now it's 16 points between Madrid and Barca, still too much but better than 18 points that separated two sides before this weekend.

These results mean that Xavi's side has gotten closer to the leading pack. Here is how the table looks right now.

La Liga top 8

1. Real Madrid, 18 matches, 43 points

2. Sevilla, 17 matches, 37 points

3. Betis, 18 matches, 33 points

4. Rayo Vallecano, 18 matches, 30 points

5. Atletico Madrid, 17 matches, 29 points

6. Real Sociedad, 18 matches, 29 points

7. Barcelona, 17 matches, 27 points

8. Valencia, 17 matches, 25 points

Note that Valencia will play against Levante on Monday. Los Che will over leapfrog Barca in the table if they manage to get a victory.