MADRID, Feb. 2 (Xinhua) -- FC Barcelona earned a 3-1 away win over Elche, while Real Madrid needed a late penalty to beat Rayo Vallecano and Atletico Madrid dropped more points on the road. Here are some takeaways from Spain's Matchday 22.

1. Barcelona shows form as Real Madrid is made to work by Rayo

Barcelona won 3-1 away to Elche in a match that tightened briefly after Alvaro Rodriguez scored for the hosts. Barcelona, however, created enough chances for a wider margin and hit the woodwork three times in the first half.

Another concern was Raphinha, who was taken off at halftime after complaining of a groin issue.

Real Madrid, by contrast, was again booed by its own fans at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium during a 2-1 home win over Rayo Vallecano that featured Vinicius Junior's opening goal.

Rayo drew level early in the second half, and Real Madrid needed a penalty in the eighth minute of added time to secure the win, prompting debate over the length of the stoppage time.

2. Atletico drops more points on road

Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone could point to a clash of heads that saw striker Alexander Sorloth taken to hospital, or the muscle injury that forced Pablo Barrios off, but the fact is Atletico again failed to score away from home in a 0-0 draw at second-from-bottom Levante.

Levante has improved since Luis Castro was named coach and put in a spirited display, while Atletico was below its best only three days after a Champions League defeat to Bodo/Glimt condemned it to an extra playoff round.

Simeone has said his squad is short of options, although Atletico has also been active in the transfer market in recent seasons.

3. Unai Simon responds in Basque derby

Joan Garcia's displays since joining Barcelona from Espanyol have prompted discussion about Spain's goalkeeping options ahead of the World Cup, with Unai Simon among the candidates.

Simon was at his best in Sunday's Basque derby, producing a series of first-half saves to keep Athletic Bilbao in the game, which ended in a 1-1 draw.

Athletic, however, will be concerned by another disjointed performance from an injury-hit side that earned a point through Inigo Ruiz de Galarreta's late goal.

4. Cazorla makes an impact for Oviedo

Oviedo coach Guillermo Almada has often used midfielder Santi Cazorla from the bench, with the 41-year-old less suited to the high-intensity pressing Almada demands.

On Saturday, Cazorla again influenced the game after coming on with around half an hour to play in Oviedo's 1-0 home win over Girona. He helped keep possession, linked play effectively, and was involved in the move that ended with Ilyas Chaira scoring the only goal to end Oviedo's winless run.

Oviedo still faces a difficult task in the relegation battle, but Cazorla continues to offer experience and control in key moments. ■