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After a thrilling first week of action in LaLiga, Matchweek Two featured several strong defensive performances that helped to put the pressure on some of Spain’s top sides.
On Saturday, only a strike from Antoine Griezmann in the second half was the difference in Atlético Madrid’s 1-0 victory against Rayo Vallecano. That same day, Ousmane Dembélé played a similar role for Barcelona, as the title-holders earned a 1-0 win at Real Valladolid. The newly-promoted club’s pitch at the Estadio José Zorrilla was in absolutely horrendous shape, and LaLiga will be investigating Valladolid’s current situation at the ground.
Two other matches this past weekend (Alavés vs. Real Betis & Sevilla vs. Villarreal) ended with 0-0 scorelines. Getafe secured their first win of the term against Eibar on Friday evening. Alavés, Real Valladolid and surprisingly, Real Betis, have all yet to score in the league thus far in 2018-19.
Real Madrid may have started slow in their visit to face Girona on Sunday, but Los Blancos proved they were certainly up to the challenge. Borja García gave the home team an early advantage, only to see the reigning European champion storm back to claim all three points in a 4-1 result. Two penalty-kicks were given in the match for Madrid, as Girona were unable to see out the game in a positive way.
Monday’s fixtures produced a 2-1 win for Celta Vigo at Levante, while Athletic Club and Huesca played to an entertaining 2-2 draw.
After stellar displays throughout the league this past week, we highlight the top players from Matchweek Two in the Spanish first division.
Goalkeeper
GK - Tomáš Vaclík - Sevilla FC
Sevilla and manager Pablo Machín will be disappointed that they were not able to find a breakthrough against Villarreal, but Los Nervionenses were able to secure a point due to the efforts of goalkeeper Tomáš Vaclík on Sunday.
With Sergio Rico on-loan at Fulham this season, there was certainly concern amongst Sevilla fans about the position. However, after recording six saves and keeping the clean sheet this week, confidence should be building for Vaclík’s future with the club. Sevilla face a significant test this coming weekend, as they travel to play local rival Real Betis in an intense (and important) encounter on Sunday evening.
Defenders
LB - Jordi Alba - FC Barcelona
It was not the best of showings from Barcelona this past weekend, although they did get a win. The back-line did well to clear out chances for Valladolid and keep possession, with Jordi Alba putting in an excellent shift at left-back.
The 29-year-old’s passing was accurate, and he linked up well with the midfield.
CB - Stefan Savić - Atlético Madrid
Barcelona were not the only club this weekend to struggle against a newly-promoted side, as Atlético Madrid had their troubles against Rayo Vallecano. The 1-0 result was tremendously influenced by the work of Stefan Savić.
The centre-back was able to help keep the clean sheet with excellent positioning throughout the game, and provided the assist on Antoine Griezmann’s winner in the 63rd minute.
CB - Sergio Ramos - Real Madrid CF
There was concern for Real Madrid fans when Girona took an early lead on Sunday, but those fears were calmed by team captain Sergio Ramos only minutes later.
Ramos scored from the penalty spot to level the match, and his tackling was superb during the victory.
RB - Sergi Roberto - FC Barcelona
With fantastic versatility, Sergi Roberto has been a key part of Barcelona’s unbeaten start to the league season.
After playing a midfield role last week, the 26-year-old returned to a full-back position against Real Valladolid. Roberto assisted on Ousmane Dembélé’s winner in the second half.
Midfielders
MF - Esteban Granero - RCD Espanyol
Espanyol have enjoyed a promising beginning to the 2018-19 season, and Esteban Granero helped to deliver the club’s first victory.
Granero opened the scoring in the team’s 2-0 win against Valencia, and he controlled the tempo of the game from the midfield.
MF - Asier Illarramendi - Real Sociedad
Real Sociedad’s second half at Leganés was dreadful, but Asier Illarramendi was a bright spot in the first 45 minutes.
The former Real Madrid man netted his club’s second goal of the night, and looks set to be a true leader for new manager Asier Garitano.
MF - Nabil El Zhar - CD Leganés
Two goals down against Real Sociedad, few expected Leganés to get a result on Friday evening. Then came Nabil El Zhar.
The 32-year-old scored two goals in the second half to secure a 2-2 draw in arguably the most surprising match of the weekend.
Forwards
FW - Karim Benzema - Real Madrid CF
Productive and efficient up front, Karim Benzema looks to be in top form already for Real Madrid.
The French striker bagged a second-half brace during the club’s 4-1 win at Girona.
FW - Gareth Bale - Real Madrid CF
Although Cristiano Ronaldo departed the capital for Serie A this summer, Real Madrid fans are more than happy with the response seen from Gareth Bale.
The 29-year-old scored a goal and assisted another at Girona, looking set to make his mark at Real this season.
FW - Pione Sisto - Celta Vigo
Celta Vigo earned three points on Monday night at Levante, and Pione Sisto’s work was critical in their successful journey.
The Danish international opened the scoring early with a goal in the tenth minute, before recording the assist on Celta’s second strike before half-time.
Manager
Julen Lopetegui - Real Madrid CF
It would have been easy for Real Madrid manager Julen Lopetegui to panic this past Sunday. With his team seeking control of their match at Girona, Borja García made it 1-0 to the home side, giving Madrid supporters flashbacks to last season. When they visited Estadi Montilivi this past October, a 2-1 loss cast a shadow of doubt over their campaign.
Without Cristiano Ronaldo to lean on in such dramatic moments, it would not have been surprising for Lopetegui to worry a bit. But he was confident and trusted his system, which eventually came through to provide maximum points in a 4-1 victory.
The 51-year-old replaced Zinedine Zidane as coach under dubious circumstances following his stint with the Spanish national team, but he has his players believing in what they can achieve in the present. The key will be continuing this progression.
