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The past weekend in LaLiga produced several impressive results, as well as more than a few surprises along the way. This round of fixtures was headlined by Sunday’s El Clásico showdown at the Camp Nou, and the event certainly lived up to the massive hype.
The action began on Friday evening, with a late goal from Real Valladolid rescuing a point at home versus Espanyol. Both clubs have enjoyed fantastic starts to 2018-19, with Espanyol and Valladolid sitting fifth and sixth in the table respectively.
A positive showing at home for Girona against Rayo Vallecano started off Saturday’s games, moving the Catalan side up to 11th and away from relegation danger. Athletic Club and Valencia played to a 0-0 stalemate, something both squads have become frustratingly accustomed to. The two have combined for 15 LaLiga draws already in 2018-19.
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Levante secured a place in the top ten thanks to a 2-0 win over Leganés. Celta Vigo showcased their attacking strengths at home versus Eibar, running out to a comfortable 4-0 triumph at the Balaídos. Atlético Madrid gained three points on Saturday evening in a win against Real Sociedad.
After an impressive victory at AC Milan in the UEFA Europa League, Sunday did not bring the same type of performance in LaLiga from Real Betis. Their scoring woes continued, this time in a 2-0 loss at Getafe.
The focus then shifted to the Camp Nou, as Barcelona returned to first place following their 5-1 thrashing of Real Madrid. The result featured a stunning second half and could be the match that ends manager Julen Lopetegui’s short spell with Los Blancos.
Despite giving up an early goal, Alavés defeated Villarreal to move into second place. The Basque side are only one point behind Barcelona. The weekend’s final game saw Sevilla deliver a 2-1 win at home against Huesca.
League matches return on Saturday, with Copa del Rey battles set for the coming days.
We take a look at the top players in LaLiga for Matchweek 10:
Goalkeeper: Oier Olazábal - Levante UD
Levante have been a competitive side, and goalkeeper Oier Olazábal has been at the heart of several victories. The 29-year-old recorded six saves in the club’s win against Leganés, earning his third clean sheet of the 2018-19 term.
Defenders
RB - Sergi Roberto - FC Barcelona
Barcelona’s victory over Real Madrid on Sunday was achieved thanks to multiple players in the line-up performing well, and Sergi Roberto was in top form.
The right-back assisted on two of the Blaugrana’s five goals and got forward into the attack effectively throughout the match.
CB - Diego Godín - Atlético Madrid
Atlético Madrid finished the weekend in fourth place, and Diego Godín was again a solid presence in central defence.
The 32-year-old opened the scoring in Los Rojiblancos’ 2-0 triumph against Real Sociedad and made three tackles in the game.
CB - Mario Hermoso - RCD Espanyol
Espanyol continue to defy the odds. Their 1-1 draw at Real Valladolid featured strong defensive work, led by Mario Hermoso.
The centre-back was constantly on the move in their own half, winning four aerial duels and passing the ball accurately when needed.
LB - Marcelo - Real Madrid CF
Real Madrid are enduring a tough stretch at the moment in LaLiga, but Marcelo has certainly done his best to help at the left-back position.
His second-half strike at Barcelona on Sunday was his third consecutive match across all competitions with a goal.
Midfielders
MF - Pablo Sarabia - Sevilla FC
Huesca did not make things easy for Sevilla on Sunday evening, with Pablo Sarabia playing the hero in the second half at the Estadio Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán.
The midfielder netted two goals within a span of 13 minutes that were ultimately the difference in their 2-1 victory.
MF - Rubén Rochina - Levante UD
A talented midfielder can completely take control of a game, with stamina and skill on the ball helping to defeat the opponent. Rubén Rochina was unstoppable for Levante this past weekend, a major part of what brought a 2-0 win.
The 27-year-old scored a goal late in the match and tirelessly worked for the ball in various areas of the pitch (five tackles).
MF - Borja García - Girona FC
Girona had not won a league fixture since September 17 entering Saturday against Rayo Vallecano, making a victory even sweeter for supporters. Borja García was a key element to success.
The former Rayo man was a midfield force versus his old side, with five successful dribbles and an assist on Girona’s second goal.
Forwards
FW - Luis Suárez - FC Barcelona
With Lionel Messi out of the line-up on Sunday, some Barcelona fans may have been concerned about their meeting with Real Madrid. Luis Suárez made sure that there simply was no doubt.
The Uruguayan international’s hat-trick was more than enough in the 5-1 scoreline, and he made life miserable for Madrid’s defenders.
FW - Portu - Girona FC
We have become used to seeing Cristhian Stuani score the goals for Girona this season, but on Saturday it was Portu’s turn to show what he is capable of in the final third.
The 26-year-old’s brace powered his club to a 2-1 win.
FW - Iago Aspas - Celta Vigo
Iago Aspas’ wife gave birth to the couple’s second child on Friday night. Just hours later on Saturday, the striker brought joy to Celta Vigo fans with his performance against Eibar.
Aspas netted a hat-trick in the match and was absolutely too much for the opposition to handle. Along with Cristhian Stuani, he now leads LaLiga with eight goals this season.
Manager: Ernesto Valverde - FC Barcelona
El Clásico brings an intense amount of pressure, particularly for the coaches involved. Real Madrid manager Julen Lopetegui could soon find himself out of a job, but Barcelona’s Ernesto Valverde showed why he can shine on the grandest of stages.
Despite missing the mercurial Lionel Messi up front, the 54-year-old tactician was confident in his squad and his players delivered. Luis Suárez brought the majority of the goals, with Philippe Coutinho adding one of his own as well.
Ivan Rakitić and Arthur were solid in the middle and helped to keep possession in vital moments. Valverde especially got the best out of Barcelona’s full-backs, with both Sergi Roberto and Jordi Alba causing issues for Madrid’s back-line.
Yes, the Blaugrana do not move away from their famous 4-3-3 formation very often, and Valverde is not re-inventing the wheel. But Sunday was a massive occasion, and he pushed all the right buttons for an impressive win in football’s biggest rivalry.
