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LaLiga clubs returned from the international break looking to gain important early points in the opening stages of the 2018-19 campaign, with some of the title contenders instead finding disappointing results.
Rayo Vallecano earned their first victory of the new term with a 1-0 victory against Huesca on Friday evening, an away result that could prove to be quite important as time goes on this year.
Saturday produced the key results that have helped to re-shape the top of the table, with the major surprise occurring in the capital. Atlético Madrid and manager Diego Simeone continued their flawed start to the campaign with a 1-1 draw at home versus Eibar, as a goal from Borja Garcés deep into stoppage-time rescued a point for Los Rojiblancos.
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Real Sociedad once again made matters difficult for Barcelona at the Estadio Anoeta, but two second-half goals were enough for the Blaugrana to come away with a 2-1 win. Real Madrid was unable to match their rival later that evening in a 1-1 draw at Athletic Club. Valencia earned their third draw in four matches, thanks to a 0-0 final against Real Betis.
Sunday began with a 1-0 victory for Villarreal and manager Javi Calleja at Leganés and saw the same scoreline in a win for Espanyol versus Levante. Critical away results brought positivity for Alavés and Getafe, with each club going home with three points after successes at Real Valladolid and Sevilla respectively.
Monday’s fixture saw a wild win for Girona, in a 3-2 triumph against Celta Vigo.
European competitions will begin their group stages this week, adding a fresh challenge for several LaLiga sides. Real Madrid, Barcelona, Atlético Madrid, and Valencia will be playing in the Champions League, while Villarreal and Real Betis will take part in the Europa League.
We take a look around LaLiga and highlight the top players in the Spanish first division for Matchweek Four.
Goalkeeper
GK - Diego López – RCD Espanyol
Espanyol has climbed into the top four due to their win against Levante this week, with several players putting in a fine performance on Sunday. Defensive work at the back was crucial, and goalkeeper Diego López was a key figure.
The 36-year-old made four saves and kept the clean sheet for the home side. The former Real Madrid and AC Milan shot-stopper provides a fantastic experience for Espanyol and is a true leader for the squad.
Defenders
LB - José Ángel – SD Eibar
Eibar’s performance at Atlético Madrid featured excellent discipline along the back-line, and José Ángel’s outing at left-back was a bright spot for Los Armeros.
The defender made several key tackles in Eibar’s half and got forward into the attack when necessary.
CB - Leandro Cabrera - Getafe CF
Getafe’s defense continues to lead the club to success, allowing only two goals through their first four fixtures.
Centre-back Leandro Cabrera’s efforts in the middle and strong aerial presence helped to limit chances for Sevilla on Sunday.
CB – Pedro Alcalá – Girona FC
Girona looked sharp on Monday, with Pedro Alcalá impacting the match at both ends.
Along with solid defensive positioning, the center-back scored his team’s second goal of the game.
RB - Mario Gaspar Pérez – Villarreal CF
Villarreal’s first LaLiga win for 2018-19 was aided by strong possession and a patient approach, as Mario’s afternoon at right-back also saw significant quality on the ball.
The Spanish international’s runs up and down the right side linked play between the back-line and midfield.
Midfielders
MF – Ibai Gómez – Deportivo Alavés
Alavés earned their second win of the campaign in the dying seconds at Real Valladolid, with Ibai Gómez playing the hero in stoppage-time for the visitors.
The midfielder netted the winner in the 92nd minute, providing an important result for manager Abelardo Fernández’s side.
MF - Iker Muniain – Athletic Club
Athletic Club secured a point versus Europe’s title-holders on Saturday, and it was a familiar name who opened the scoring in the first half.
Iker Muniain gave Los Leones a 1-0 advantage in the first half, although the midfielder would have to be subbed off with an injury in the 54th minute.
MF - Giannelli Imbula - Rayo Vallecano
Rayo Vallecano’s result at Huesca provided three points away from home, and it was Giannelli Imbula’s goal that was the difference.
On a season-long loan from Stoke City, the 26-year-old has made an early impact with his new squad.
Forwards
FW - Ousmane Dembélé – FC Barcelona
It was not a vintage showing in the Basque Country for Barcelona this past weekend against Real Sociedad, but Ousmane Dembélé delivered the winning goal when the club needed it the most.
After Luis Suárez leveled the match in the second half, Dembélé followed it up with one of his own a few minutes later for a 2-1 victory. Barcelona now sits atop LaLiga’s table with 12 points from four games.
FW – Cristhian Stuani – Girona FC
Cristhian Stuani enjoyed a fine evening at the Estadi Montilivi on Monday, providing the firepower up front for Girona.
The Uruguayan striker scored two goals against Celta in a 3-2 win.
FW - Ángel – Getafe CF
Getafe’s plan against Sevilla at the Estadio Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán was simple, and the visitors had no problem giving away the majority of possession to the home side. But when Getafe had their chances they took them, and Ángel scored both goals in a stunning 2-0 win.
The 31-year-old netted each goal in the first half.
Manager
José Luis Mendilibar – SD Eibar
Now, it should be noted that there is a slight sense of disappointment within Eibar’s 1-1 draw at Atlético Madrid. The visitors had their 1-0 advantage heading into stoppage-time, and if that scoreline held it would have been a tremendous result. However, Eibar manager José Luis Mendilibar still deserves praise, as he was able to put his squad in the best position for success on Saturday.
Atlético enjoyed more of the possession and created more scoring opportunities, but Eibar came to play as well. They got forward into the final third, and never completely relied on “parking the bus” at the Wanda Metropolitano.
Pape Diop and Sergio Álvarez were superb in the midfield, winning the ball in key areas and providing accurate passes. The entire back-line kept their shape, and goalkeeper Marko Dmitrović was outstanding.
Mendilibar guided his team into one of their toughest challenges of the season and came out with an admirable ending thanks to sharp preparations.
