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#3 Espanyol
Just as impressive as Alaves are Espanyol: the Catalan club forever in Barcelona’s shadow.
Like Alaves, Espanyol have built their early season form on a strong defence. New manager Rubi has put much of his effort into making his side obstinate and difficult to beat while counting on striker Borja Iglesias and the mercurial Esteban Granero for goals and creativity.
So far, it’s working. Five wins from nine represent their best start to a LaLiga campaign for many years. Home wins over Villareal and Valencia are the highlights.
Espanyol fans will be wary of tougher tests to come but will be encouraged by their narrow defeat away to Real Madrid. It's an accomplishment for any club to escape the Bernabeu with just a 1-0 defeat.
That newly found toughness could form the foundation for a successful season. It's been quite some time since Espanyol were in Europe and reaching UEFA Cup finals. Perhaps this could be the season they rise out of mid-table obscurity and return to continental competition.
