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The third round of fixtures in LaLiga saw attacking excellence from the division’s two giants, along with a very surprising loss from one of the title contenders.
The weekend began with a goalless draw between Getafe and Real Valladolid, while a second-half strike from Cristhian Stuani gave Girona a crucial away win at Villarreal. Eibar secured their first victory of 2018-19 at home versus Real Sociedad.
The true shock of the weekend occurred on Saturday, as Celta Vigo triumphed 2-0 against Atlético Madrid, as Los Rojiblancos suffered through a poor overall performance. They will look to bounce back against Eibar on September 15 after the international break. Due to stadium improvements and renovations at their home ground, Rayo Vallecano’s meeting with Athletic Club was postponed until a later date.
Real Madrid and manager Julen Lopetegui kept their perfect start to the term alive with a 4-1 win against Leganés at the Santiago Bernabéu. Their midfield appeared strong, and the attack looks formidable yet again thus far.
Sunday was a day of major derbies throughout the country. Levante and Valencia played to a nervy and thrilling 2-2 draw. But the drama was most intense in Seville, as a Joaquín goal in the 80th minute saw Real Betis come away with a 1-0 result over Sevilla. The game produced Betis’ first points of the new season and maybe a moment that corrects their flawed beginning to 2018-19.
Deportivo Alavés forwards Rubén Sobrino and Borja Bastón each scored in a 2-1 win against Espanyol.
Barcelona’s attack was truly at another level at the Camp Nou, comprehensively dominating during an 8-2 romp of Huesca. Stellar performances were witnessed for almost the entire line-up, as manager Ernesto Valverde has his squad in excellent form. Barca will visit Real Sociedad in their next league fixture.
Goalkeeper
GK - David Soria - Getafe CF
Getafe have had a positive start to their campaign and earned another important point this week thanks to the efforts of goalkeeper David Soria. The 25-year-old recorded four saves in the contest, helping to keep a clean sheet against Valladolid.
Brought on this summer from Sevilla, Soria has already proven to be one of the smartest recent signings in the league.
Defenders
RB - Daniel Carvajal - Real Madrid CF
Real Madrid have looked comfortable in the post-Ronaldo LaLiga era, and part of that has been due to reliable play at the back from Dani Carvajal.
The right-back assisted on Los Blancos’ opening goal versus Leganés, setting up Gareth Bale perfectly with a sensational pass.
CB - Gustavo Cabral - Celta Vigo
The surprise of the weekend was set at the Estadio Municipal de Balaídos, with Celta Vigo walking away with three points against Atlético Madrid. Gustavo Cabral’s overall showing in central defence was a key element to keeping the clean sheet for the home side.
The Argentine defender was confident with his passes and won several aerial duels in Celta’s half.
CB - Sergio Ramos - Real Madrid CF
Another game, and another goal from the spot for Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos. The centre-back scored the club’s fourth goal of the match against Leganés from a penalty in the second half.
Ramos has begun the season well, and is again leading the squad to success.
LB - Jordi Alba - FC Barcelona
Barcelona’s front-line certainly grabbed the majority of the attention after their big win against Huesca, but the positive play was seen once again from left-back Jordi Alba. The defender’s passing was consistently proactive, adding a goal and an assist as well.
Alba’s influence on the left side of the formation has been stellar thus far in the young season.
Midfielders
MF - Ivan Rakitić - FC Barcelona
Barcelona’s juggernaut of an attack was an unstoppable force this past weekend, and midfield play was certainly solid. Ivan Rakitić assisted the Catalans’ first goal and netted one of his own in the second half.
The Croatian international has displayed excellent stamina following a busy summer with his country at the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
MF - Philippe Coutinho - FC Barcelona
While Philippe Coutinho did not score during Barcelona’s huge win against Huesca, he controlled the middle of the pitch with his skill on the ball and sharp passing.
The Brazilian provided an assist in the second half on his team’s sixth goal.
MF - Denis Cheryshev - Valencia CF
Down 1-0 in the first half at Valencian rival Levante on Sunday afternoon, Los Che needed a response quickly. They received just that from Denis Cheryshev, grabbing an equaliser just three minutes after the game’s opening goal.
The Russian international is with Valencia on a season-long loan from Villarreal.
Forwards
FW - Lionel Messi - FC Barcelona
Lionel Messi is focused on having a spectacular campaign with Barcelona, and he provided serious fireworks up front in their match against Huesca.
The 31-year-old scored two goals on Sunday and assisted two more in the 8-2 result.
FW - Luis Suárez - FC Barcelona
Luis Suárez was effective and dangerous at the striker position this week for Barcelona, bagging a brace and recording an assist in their win versus Huesca.
Ernesto Valverde’s 4-3-3 formation continues to be sharp, in part thanks to the Uruguayan international’s presence.
FW - Karim Benzema - Real Madrid CF
With the score level at half-time, Real Madrid fans wanted to see more from their club in the second 45 minutes. Karim Benzema would be the one to deliver, with two goals that helped to secure another victory for the home side.
Benzema and Messi are currently at the top of LaLiga’s scoring chart with four goals each through three league fixtures.
Manager
Antonio Mohamed - Celta Vigo
Following a 13th-place finish in LaLiga during 2017-18, Celta Vigo took a bit of a risk in their next appointment for the club’s manager. The Galician side announced the signing of 48-year-old coach Antonio Mohamed, last at the helm of Monterrey in Mexico. Some believed he may struggle during his first run in the Spanish top flight, but the Argentine tactician has shown that he can go up against LaLiga’s best.
Celta maintained strong possession throughout much of the match and were energetic moving forward into the opposing half. Mohamed utilised three central defenders in front of goalkeeper Sergio Álvarez, which ultimately limited opportunities for the Madrid duo of Antoine Griezmann and Diego Costa. Both players ended up having very quiet games, combining for three total shots.
Fran Beltrán and Stanislav Lobotka enjoyed positive outings in the midfield, but it was Celta’s strikers that made the difference. The partnership of Iago Aspas and Maxi Gómez shined brightly for Os Celestes. Each scored a goal in the team’s 2-0 win.
Antonio Mohamed put together a fantastic strategy to defeat Atlético Madrid this past weekend, and his players delivered perfectly for the optimal result.
