MADRID - FC Barcelona extended its lead at the top of La Liga to four points over Real Madrid following Madrid's surprise defeat at home to Valencia. However, Hansi Flick's players will be slightly frustrated that they couldn't have put the title race almost to bed. Here are some key takeaways from La Liga this weekend:

1. Tired legs take a toll on Barca and Real Madrid

FC Barcelona had less than 72 hours to recover between the end of its Copa del Rey semifinal away to Atletico Madrid on Wednesday and the start of its La Liga game at home to Betis on Saturday. With Saturday's match being the club's fourth in just 10 days, it was evident that some players, such as Raphinha and Lamine Yamal, were suffering from fatigue. Against a Betis side that traveled to Barcelona after six consecutive wins, this lack of freshness likely made the difference between taking three points and drawing 1-1.

Real Madrid had an extra 24 hours to prepare for its home game against Valencia but had to play an additional 30 minutes in its Copa del Rey match on Tuesday. Consequently, players such as Vinicius and Jude Bellingham were also below their usual standards, and Real Madrid continues to appear vulnerable in defense.

2. Credit to Betis and Valencia

Although both Barca and Real Madrid were not at their best, Betis and Valencia deserve significant praise for their performances at Montjuic and the Bernabeu, respectively.

Betis traveled to Barcelona in excellent form and displayed a solid defense, while consistently posing a threat on the counter-attack through Antony and Cucho Hernandez.

Valencia also showed a tight defense, highlighting the team's continued improvement since Carlos Corberan replaced Ruben Baraja as coach. Both of Valencia's goals stemmed from their determination, with Diakhaby heading home from a corner and Hugo Duro and Rafa Mir leading an attack in the 94th minute when many teams would have retreated defensively to secure a point.

3. Athletic 'winners' in Ceramica stalemate

Villarreal and Athletic Bilbao, the teams occupying fifth and fourth positions in La Liga, played to a 0-0 draw on Sunday night at the Estadio de la Ceramica. This result means Athletic maintains a six-point advantage in fourth place.

Villarreal impressed in the first half with some swift attacking play. However, Athletic improved after the break and could have secured a win in the closing minutes after Pepe Gueye received a direct red card for a dangerous challenge on Maroan Sanadi.

With Villarreal visiting Betis next weekend, Athletic has an opportunity to move closer to securing a place in next season's Champions League with a win at home against Rayo Vallecano.

4. Dugout scenes show no hope for Valladolid

Valladolid's season has been disastrous, with the team languishing at the bottom of La Liga with just 16 points, 14 points adrift from safety.

Even with a positive atmosphere within the squad, the club would likely face relegation at the end of the season. However, Sunday's game made it abundantly clear that the team is far from united.

Valladolid suffered a heavy 4-0 home defeat to Getafe, offering little resistance. The most notable event of the second half was an altercation on the bench, where defender Lucas Perez reportedly attempted to strike his teammate Jaume Latasa after Latasa had been substituted.

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It is difficult not to sympathize with coach Alvaro Rubio, who was promoted from the B-team to oversee Valladolid's seemingly inevitable relegation. Rubio must undoubtedly be hoping for the season to conclude as quickly as possible.