First Madrid derby as title race takes early exciting twist
Saturday evening has things suddenly looking very exciting at the top of the table.
Atletico Madrid’s Spanish forward Diego Costa (L) celebrates after scoring a second goal during the UEFA Super Cup football match between Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid at the Lillekula Stadium in the Estonian capital Tallinn on August 15, 2018. / AFP PHOTO / Janek SKARZYNSKI
Real Madrid coach Julen Lopetegui’s injury-hit team must regroup following a first defeat of the season at Sevilla on Wednesday, while Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone’s side go to the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu after scoring five goals and taking six points in their last two LaLiga outings.
Saturday’s other showpiece game sees leaders Barcelona, rocking after picking up just one point from their last two games, hosting an Athletic Bilbao side who also lost their unbeaten LaLiga record midweek.
LaLiga’s gameweek seven begins Friday night when Rayo Vallecano will aim for their first home win of 2018/19 against an Espanyol team who have just one point on their travels so far.
Saturday’s lunchtime kick-off is Real Sociedad at home to Valencia – with the Txuri-Urdin similarly aiming for an opening three points at their new-look Anoeta stadium, and Los Che yet to win away from their own supporters.
Later on Saturday, Eibar will be aiming for a third straight home victory at Ipurua against a free-scoring Sevilla side who shocked Real Madrid with 3-0 on Wednesday evening and have 10 goals in two LaLiga games outside the Andalusian capital so far this season.
Sunday’s early game sees new boys Huesca looking to get their first ever LaLiga season back on an upward curve, taking on a Girona team already looking established at this level after just 13 months in the top division.
Another newly promoted outfit Valladolid are next in action at Villarreal, with the Blanquivioletas [White and Violets] impressively unbeaten in their three away games so far, while the Yellow Submarine have surprisingly yet to win in front of their own fans at the Estadio de la Ceramica.
Levante supporters will also be hopeful of cheering a first 2018/19 three points at the Ciutat de Valencia later on Sunday with visitors Alaves travelling confidently after having won both of their last two on the road to push the Basques towards the top of the early LaLiga standings.
Having had a rollercoaster start to the new season, Real Betis fans will be hopeful of a comfortable victory against Leganes, who are sure to travel in good cheer following their surprise 2-1 win against Barca on Wednesday evening.
Monday evening’s game has high-flying Galicians Celta Vigo aiming to continue their unbeaten start at home, while visitors Getafe will not be fearful having drawn on three of their last four visits to Balaidos.
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