LaLiga Matchweek 7: Team of the Week

“The more things change, the more they stay the same.” A bit of a contradictory phrase, but it can make perfect sense in the right situation. For LaLiga this past weekend, the words provide an accurate summary after mid-week fixtures.

When Barcelona stumbled at Leganés, second-place Real Madrid had an opportunity to take advantage of the situation. A loss for Los Blancos followed, and the two El Clásico rivals would have a similar outcome in Matchweek Seven.

The action began on Friday, as Rayo Vallecano and Espanyol battled to a 2-2 stalemate. Rayo are currently 18th in the table, two points from rising above the relegation zone.

Saturday began with a poor showing from Real Sociedad, falling 1-0 at home to Valencia. Barcelona followed up their first loss of the campaign with another sluggish outing, eventually rescuing a point in the second half at the Camp Nou. Munir El Haddadi’s late strike earned a 1-1 draw against Athletic Club.

Sevilla continued their sharp attacking form with another fine result, in a 3-1 victory at Eibar. It was the club’s fourth consecutive win across all competitions. The Madrid derby brought plenty of hype and excitement, but did not provide any goals as Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid played to a 0-0 draw.

Sunday began with a 1-1 scoreline between Huesca and Girona. Real Valladolid earned an impressive away win at Villarreal to launch themselves into the top half of LaLiga’s table.

Alavés lost 2-1 at Levante, while Real Betis once again left it late for a second consecutive week. Loren played the hero again, with a second-half goal to deliver another 1-0 win for Los Verdiblancos. Monday night's fixture saw a 1-1 draw between Celta Vigo and Getafe.

The second week of European group-stage games arrives mid-week, and teams involved will likely see some type of rotation ahead of the next round of league fixtures.

We review and highlight the top players throughout LaLiga during Matchweek Seven.

Goalkeeper

Real Valladolid goalkeeper Jordi Masip

GK - Jordi Masip - Real Valladolid

Not many expected Real Valladolid to get a win at Villarreal this past weekend, but the efforts of goalkeeper Jordi Masip helped to make it happen.

The 29-year-old made seven saves, including the critical stop of a penalty-kick late in the match.

Defenders

Gerard Piqué

LB - Nacho - Real Madrid CF

With usual starter Marcelo out, Nacho filled in admirably at left-back for Real Madrid and manager Julen Lopetegui against Atlético Madrid.

He commanded his side of the pitch well, and was comfortable in possession.

CB - Gerard Piqué - FC Barcelona

Barcelona will certainly be frustrated with yet another disappointing result, but Gerard Piqué was an important part of ensuring that the home side at least earned a point versus Athletic Club.

The centre-back’s positioning was outstanding, helping to close down passing lanes effectively.

CB - Marc Bartra - Real Betis

Real Betis are certainly not assisting the anxiety levels of their supporters with all this late drama, although defender Marc Bartra was again a bright spot for the line-up.

The 27-year-old won several aerial duels, and got forward into the opposing half when necessary.

RB - Óscar de Marcos - Athletic Club

Athletic almost came away with a win at the Camp Nou thanks to an effective strategy, and Óscar de Marcos provided the goal.

Often deployed as a midfielder, he was effective as a full-back and scored the team’s only goal in a 1-1 draw at Barcelona.

Midfielders

Casemiro (left) fights for the ball from Antoine Griezmann

MF - Éver Banega - Sevilla FC

Sevilla have been playing extremely well during the past few weeks, and Éver Banega’s contributions in the middle have been truly outstanding.

The Argentine international scored two goals against Eibar, and linked up well with the front-line.

MF - Casemiro - Real Madrid CF

Yes, he may have gotten away with a hand-ball versus Atlético and stirred up a new VAR controversy. However, Casemiro put in a fine performance otherwise on Saturday evening for Real Madrid.

The 26-year-old covered acres of space, with his passing and tackling providing a boost for his squad.

MF - Rubén Rochina - Levante UD

Levante and manager Paco López secured three points to create some separation between themselves and the relegation places, with Rubên Rochina’s efforts standing out in a significant way.

The midfielder recorded an assist on the opening goal against Alavés, was a consistent presence in the final third (four shots) and his skill on the ball shined throughout the game.

Forwards

Valencia striker Kevin Gameiro

FW - Cristhian Stuani - Girona FC

Cristhian Stuani has been crucial to success for Girona FC thus far this season, and his scoring form stayed red-hot against SD Huesca.

His goal this past Sunday brings his recent tally to six in the past five league matches, making life extremely difficult for any opposing defenders.

FW - André Silva - Sevilla FC

Sevilla’s attack has been a true force of nature during the past few weeks of the 2018-19 LaLiga campaign, and André Silva is proving to be an absolutely fantastic addition from this past summer.

The 22-year-old scored his side’s first goal of the match during a 3-1 win at Eibar.

FW - Kevin Gameiro - Valencia CF

Valencia were forced to battle hard for three points at Real Sociedad on Saturday afternoon, with Kevin Gameiro’s goal being the difference in a 1-0 triumph.

It was the Frenchman’s first goal for his new club, after joining in August from Atlético Madrid.

Manager

Sevilla manager Pablo Machín

Pablo Machín - Sevilla FC

After leading Girona to the top flight, Pablo Machín took on the new challenge of stabilising Sevilla. Coaching changes plagued much of the 2017-18 campaign, and they were ready for a fresh start with Machín. However, early results did not completely go his way.

Sevilla lost in the Spanish Super Cup against Barcelona, and then endured a difficult stretch in September. A heart-breaking 1-0 loss to rival Real Betis certainly stung, only to be followed by a 2-0 home loss versus Getafe at the Estadio Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán. But Machín believed in his players and in his philosophy, with the results now confirming those beliefs.

During their current four-game winning streak across all competitions, Los Nervionenses have out-scored their opposition 17-4. André Silva is a contender for the league’s best summer signing, with improved form also seen from Jesús Navas and Éver Banega. The club now prepare for FC Krasnodar in the UEFA Europa League on Thursday night, before hosting Celta Vigo on Sunday.

Sevilla had a couple of early set-backs, but Pablo Machín has his team in sparkling form at the moment.